In his commencement speech, "Having a Degree and Being Educated," Dr. Edmund Pellegrino has the goal of helping Wilkes College graduates realize that they are not done learning by asserting that their degree is an illusion. He focuses on abolishing this false impression that an educated mind is static. He philosophizes that this illusion, if not rectified, will have negative consequences. He is talking about the effects of being complacent and depending on other's opinions, specifically the opinions of hailed experts. Another downturn of this illusion is the tendency to be locked in, immobile in their own field of expertise. To break this illusion, he cross examines the functions of an educated mind. Socratic in his approach, he delves into this crux with compelling tone and diction, effectively provoking the listeners to heed to his message. .
Dr. Pellegrino sparks everyone's curiosity by opening with this general statement, "Few humans live completely free of illusions." He warns that there will be deleterious effect if this illusion is not confronted instantly. His diction, dramatic and severe, uses the term "psychosis." This amplifies the message of an urgent matter. Then in a matter-of-fact tone he delivers his main argument that having a degree is not the same as having an educated mind, leaving the audience aghast. Usually, a speaker shies away from upsetting the audience but this works in his favor, making the students emotionally invested in the topic. At the very least, they feel challenged. He changes his tone to sound apologetic, saying, "It is a bit gauche, I admit, to ask embarrassing questions at a time of celebration." This change in tone and admission of guilt earns him the audience's trust back. Also, this is effective in calming any irate listeners so that their reception of his message is uninterrupted. .
To make his assertion come to life, he uses a metaphor, comparing education to a viral infection.