Henry employs a great number of effectiveness in his lecture. Initially he takes into consideration that his soldiers are in close relationship with him. Relationship between Henry and his nobles are friendly and caring. This is assured ‘my cousin Westmorland. My fair cousin.’ Cousin in this situation refers to a close relationship with Henry. He also employs that there should be confidence upon them. Moreover Westmorland notifies Henry that they require additional men, but Henry replies ‘the fewer men, the greater the share of honour.’ Henry is revealing to his men that they need dedication in God and themselves.
Another significant element of his speech is when he instructs his men that if they wish not to fight they were excused from the battle and were allowed passage back home, ‘his passport shall be made.’ On the other hand he states that if they win the battle in Agincourt, then on the anniversary the soldiers will be able to narrate the story to their children and show their wounds of the battle against the Dauphin, ‘then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars, and say these wounds I had on Crispin’s day.’
Henry encourages his listeners to think of themselves as privileged to be present. They were about to make history. Henry also flatters them by calling them his brothers, ‘we few we happy few we band of brothers, for he today that sheds his blood with me should be my brother.’ Another expression, he gives to his soldiers is the privilege to have a holiday before the battle called St. Cripian holiday, ‘this day is called the feast of Crispian.’ King Henry’s speech has a purpose to fight the French. He uses persuasive techniques to make his troops fight. He shows anger and reveals that he is ruthless. The remarkable speech he gives has immense setting, by revealing God, to encourage his listeners, ‘God’s peace, I would not lose so great an honour.’ The characteristics Henry has are numerous. His speech has a well thought out structure, that all leaders interoperate now.
Henry’s language is above what is expected out of a soldier. He has successful persuasive techniques that actually work to make his few soldiers to fight. Henry demonstrates courage that if there were few men in his side there will be a great honour. He mentions that the men who fight beside him will share the respect of being Henry’s brother. These triumphant terms had an impact on every soldier in his troop to fight. Additionally he gives them the idea of leaving the battle, which makes them look like cowards. Henry uses God to hearten his listeners. Henry’s persuasive acts are used in speeches nowadays to provide inspiration in their soldiers. Henry has all the qualities in a leader to persuade any man to fight.
