* To avoid direct confrontation: Sometimes, it's more tactful or strategic to allude to an event rather than explicitly addressing it. This can help the speaker avoid escalating tensions or creating further conflict.
* To create a shared understanding: By referencing a shared experience, the speaker can foster a sense of community and connection with the audience. This can make the speech more engaging and relatable.
* To build suspense or intrigue: A speaker can create a sense of mystery or intrigue by indirectly hinting at an event, leaving the audience to fill in the gaps themselves. This can make the speech more captivating and memorable.
* To subtly influence the audience's perception: By framing an event in a particular way, the speaker can guide the audience's understanding of it. This can be done through word choice, tone, or emphasis.
* To avoid stating the obvious: Sometimes, an event is so widely known or understood that explicitly mentioning it would be unnecessary or even redundant. An indirect reference can be more elegant and thought-provoking.
* To add layers of meaning: An indirect reference can be more nuanced and allow for multiple interpretations, adding layers of meaning to the speech. This can make it more engaging for the audience and lead to a more profound experience.
Ultimately, the reasons for indirect references are diverse and depend on the specific context of the speech and the speaker's intentions.