The main argumentative appeal in Churchill's speech is

In his speech, Churchill both recognizes the valor and courage shown by the British military at the retreat of Dunkirk and acknowledges that the mission almost ended in a complete military disaster. Throughout his address, Churchill chooses his words with extreme care. He makes the distinction that the retreat at Dunkirk was not a military victory for the Allies but a "miracle of deliverance." His clarification makes clear to his audience, the House of Commons and by extension the British people, that Great Britain still faces an uphill battle. They still suffered a heavy loss in France and Belgium, losing over 30,000 men as well as losing nearly one thousand guns, and all of the transport and armored vehicles that were with the stranded troops at Dunkirk. Yet even when describing the bleak state of affairs of the war, Churchill keeps his message of hope and victory alive through his description of the brave feats taken by the British military to perform the Evacuation of Dunkirk.