AP Language and Composition is a demanding, yet rewarding course, mainly focused on analyzing how writers and speakers use rhetoric, tone, diction, structure, devices, and appeals to move an audience. In this class, we’ve spent a vast amount of time breaking down speeches, looking at how authors appeal to audiences through emotion, credibility, and logic. This memorial speech mash-up assignment coincides with the curriculum because it allows us to take a very real and emotional topic and explore how specific rhetoric can impact the quality of a speech. This assignment exemplifies the effect that language has on an audience and how it can connect with them on a personal level.
In our speech, we highlighted moments from Kobe and Gigi’s (Kobe’s daughter) lives, from their achievements on the court to the love they shared with each other. Their qualities transcended the court; in our section about Gigi, we described her tenacity and how she was a mirror image of her father. Writing and performing this part of the speech helped my group mates and me see firsthand how specific details, anecdotes, and figurative language can make a tribute feel authentic. Furthermore, when depicting Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” and his Olympic accomplishments, we were able to exhibit his credibility to the audience, some of whom likely had little knowledge of his achievements. This was a powerful way to practice AP Lang techniques, harnessing the legitimate effects of our speech to observe the profound effects it evoked.
This assignment also taught us the importance of audience awareness. Our audience in the speech included Kobe and Gigi’s family, devastated fans, and people watching on TV. We had to balance the importance of the personal grief Shaq had and the broader respect. Hence, we made sure that all lives lost were honored, including the seven others that tragically lost their lives. Our speech allowed us to practice rhetorical strategy in a meaningful scenario, which showed us how diction and appeals can inspire empathy and elicit action within an audience.
Our group is made up of athletes, with Caleb, Connor, and I all having played basketball. Although Christian doesn’t play basketball, he is a fan of the game. We can all apply the principles Kobe practiced to our respective sports, as we all know firsthand the discipline it takes to succeed at such a level, which made Kobe’s story resonate deeply with us. While crafting our speech, we used personal experience to connect with his dedication. For example, when we wrote about Kobe’s relentless competitiveness and memorable moments such as his infamous comeback at Five Guys, we thought about our own experiences with teammates and adversaries, and how those lessons pushed us to be better.
We chose this topic because Kobe and Gigi were more than sports icons; they represented passion and family, core values that we all take pride in sharing. Writing and performing this speech not only let us commemorate Kobe, Gigi, and the seven other lives lost, but also the importance of family, leadership, and purpose. Throughout personal experiences in sports and life, these core values are always evident, and we are constantly reminded of them.
This assignment was a great opportunity to merge our love for sports, our admiration for the late Kobe Bryant, and what we’ve recently learned in AP Lang. By incorporating theoretical techniques, appeals, and structure, we were able to generate a message that could truly resonate with an audience, regardless of their interests or background. In addition, it gave us a deeper understanding of Kobe’s legacy, which was far more apparent when revisiting the topic at our current age. Beyond our appreciation for Kobe Bryant and what he has done for sports, we wanted to accentuate the relevance of his beliefs: the drive to push harder, to cherish loved ones, to leave a lasting mark, and to never take a day for granted.
1. Good evening. Before the team takes the court, I want to bring attention to the tragic events that happened on January 26. I’m certain that everyone knows what happened by now. When I first heard the news, I was stricken by profound grief and sadness, and still am. For those unaware, a helicopter crash killed not just one of my former teammates, but one of my true brothers and his beloved daughter, Gigi. 7 others were also involved in this crash, and upon hearing about these deaths, it felt almost unreal. I couldn’t believe it. Beside me, I am joined by Kobe’s wife Vanessa, and his three daughters, Capri, Bianka, and Natalia. Those here with us in the Staples Center, and those watching at home, can you please take a moment to commemorate our fallen angels and pray for the families and close friends of everyone involved in this horrific event.
2. I stand here today heartbroken, as one of the people involved in this accident was a brother, a true friend of mine, Kobe. From the start of knowing Kobe, you could tell there was something different, yet special about him. He was one of my rivals, a beast on the court and a bastard to play against. His fierce competitiveness was felt by everyone on the court, and he had a love for the game like no other. His influence on the game of basketball was unmatched; kids from everywhere in the country could be seen wearing a Black Mamba jersey. His accomplishments on the court could be described as nothing other than astounding, and I wish my accolades looked like his: five NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, one NBA MVP award, and two Olympic gold medals. He wasn’t just a “good” player; he was the definition of greatness.
3. I will never forget the moment I got that phone call telling me the news- a call that will forever bear a burden on my heart, a call that devastated me, a call that told me my brother was gone. My heart felt like it had been shattered into a thousand pieces, each one carrying our special memories of when we laughed, rivaled, and dominated on the court together. Kobe wasn’t considered just a teammate; he was family, a true friend to say the least. The fiery sound of his voice in the locker room, the passion in his eyes, and his ice-cold confidence will forever be engraved in my mind as the intense personality he was. I remember early on, I tried to give Kobe some veteran wisdom. One night, after a rough practice, the guys went out to eat at Five Guys. Trying to show some leadership, I stated, “There’s no I in team.” Without hesitation, Kobe snapped back, “Yeah, but there’s an M-E,” and all of us cracked up. That’s how Kobe was, always the most competitive guy in the room. In the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal Match, he put this on display. Pau Gasol came down and set a drag screen, and instead of running around it, Kobe ran straight through him. Although it was a charge, Kobe sent a message to both teams: “Gasol may be my teammate on the Lakers, but right now, we are not in Los Angeles.” We used to joke that he spoke fewer words than anybody, but he somehow managed to always get the last one. Those little moments, the cockiness, the trash talk, and the competitive nature are what made our brotherhood so unforgettable.
4. When I walked past his locker room upon arriving at this stadium today, it felt like a candle that’s been blown out too soon, leaving behind the smoke of what he once was. His influence was unmatched and would’ve only grown if he were still here. He had not only impacted the game of basketball but also inspired his peers as well. Kobe transformed me into the best version of Shaquille O’Neal, and losing him felt like losing a piece of myself. He taught so many valuable lessons that not only applied to basketball, but to me as a student of life. One of my favorite quotes from the book of Corinthians “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory,” reminds me of the ideals Kobe preached, encouraging others to take on a leadership role and face conflicts head-on.
5. Kobe and Gigi, I can’t fathom their absence. I lost a dear friend and a niece. The world didn’t just lose a sports phenom; we lost an amazing father and a beautiful young woman who both inspired those around them. Gigi was the spitting image of her dad; she loved the game and was born to operate under pressure. Watching the two of them interact on the court, man, it was special. When I was lost, their relationship reminded me of what truly matters in this world: family, love, and living life to its fullest. So join me in keeping their spirit alive, hug your loved ones tighter, work hard for what you love, and never take a day for granted. Their story doesn’t end; it lives on within us.
6. Kobe, little brother, your mark will remain on the hardwood. You were more than a teammate; you were family. You pushed me, challenged me, and made me a better person every day. I’ll forever cherish the memories we had together, the competitions in practice, the laughs and jokes we shared, and most of all, the petty arguments we used to partake in. To the Bryant family, Vanessa, Bianka, Capri, and Natalia, remember all that your father has taught you. The strength that each of you has, the discipline he preached, and the love he gave carry on with each of you through life. Never think that you aren’t enough for his high expectations; he is so proud of you guys, and I know he will watch over what he has left behind. The basketball community, and everyone else who looked up to Kobe, will continue to carry his torch and honor the life he lived. Rest in peace, my brother, and I know I never told you, but I love you, man.
