HOW HITLER SEDUCED GERMANY WITH SPEECHES

 HOW HITLER SEDUCED GERMANY WITH SPEECHES 1

 

Almost everyone finds it appropriate to consider Adolf Hitler a synonym of evil.

However, one wonders how Hitler gained popularity and support of Germans even though he

was wicked. A review of his speeches reveals that Hitler was exceptional in manipulating people

and good at using strategic propaganda techniques. Most importantly, he was conscious of his

skills and he was quoted to have said, “I am conscious that I have no equal in the art of swaying

the masses” (Gigliotti, 2001). His success in moving masses is certain evidence that the Nazi

leader was accurate in his sentiments. The ability to deliver engaging speeches is an important

skill for anyone who needs to convince masses and it does not matter who or what the speaker is.

However, the speech must demonstrate good knowledge of pressing issues that the audience may

consider important for an address.

Hitler knew what majority of the people wanted to hear. He largely focused on people’s

challenges in his speeches and this helped to convince his audience that he would be able to

confront their challenges (Wistrich, 2001). For instance, he knew that preceding governments

such as the Weimer democracy had failed the people. People were not happy and he used that to

his advantage (Wistrich, 2001). After taking over, he made it a point to appeal to burning issues

that pressed the citizens. He largely tapped his support by focusing on the negative feelings of

the people towards preceding regimes. For instance, in his early speeches, Hitler focused on

harsh terms of the Versailles treaty, instability of democratic governments, inflation, and the

position of Jews in the government (Gigliotti, 2001). Clearly, Hitler was largely able to move

masses by tapping into listeners’ emotions. He promised the people a future when they almost

despaired.

HOW HITLER SEDUCED GERMANY WITH SPEECHES 2

Dr. Joseph Goebbels, a close accomplice of Hitler referred to him as a leader who

exhibited the ability to express issues clearly, directly and logically (Wistrich, 2001). Listeners

were even convinced that whatever he said was all they needed to hear. Many Germans had

similar views and visions to those of Hitler’s but he stood out because he took the time to

illustrate the nature of the anticipated idealistic Germany. In his speeches, he maintained

consistency in his call for national unity and he was aware that he would fail terribly without the

citizens’ support (Gigliotti, 2001). Occasionally, he held youth rallies throughout Germany

where he delivered speeches and expressed his vision for a better Germany. The youth trusted

and believed in their leader even though he acted contrary to whatever he said.

In summary, Hitler had exceptional skills in speech delivery. In fact, he wouldn’t have

won the confidence of the people if he lacked the ability to give a convincing speech. He knew

what his audience wanted to hear and remained focused. That way, he gained their loyalty which

made him a popular leader. Hitler would occasionally sweat when talking about sensitive issues,

his breathe would become heavy and his voice fluctuated. His audience observed his emotions

and this made them emotional. His speech, therefore, was emotive to the extent of moving

masses. Germans were convinced that Hitler was their chosen leader largely because he focused

on the most sensitive issues. His emotions were also evident and they rhymed with his messages.

 

References

Gigliotti, S. (2001). Seduced by Hitler. Naperville: Naperville.

Wistrich, R. (2001). Hitler and the Holocaust. New York: Modern Library.