integrating theory--dialogue
15 years ago
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Great Speakers
Rhetoric is a word that comes up often in communication classes. In my 140 class, Argumentation and Debate, I have become very familiar with Aristotle and his ideas about rhetoric and public speaking. Rhetorical proof, ethos, logos and pathos are all very important to know and use in order to be a effective and successful speaker. I have always admired great speakers. I still remember hearing Martin Luther King Jr.s "I Have a Dream" Speech when I was in second grade. Very few people are blessed with gift to move people. I was glad that Griffin used his speech as the case study. With that speech, Dr. King would have made Aristotle proud.
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7 comments:
Before reading this chapter I never would have made the connection between ethos, logos and pathos and MLK's "I have a dream" speech. It really does show how blessed he was with the gift of moving people to action. His rhetoric was what motivated a generation of people to think and act differently. It truly is a gift. One that I hope to learn in order to make my words count and help people to relate to me.
I feel the same thing, before I read the chapter, I didn`t have any connection between the three kinds of proof and " I Have A Dream". Also, I didn`t know that public speech needed to include the three kinds of proof to make wonderful speech before I read the chapter.Now, I have some ideas how to become a great speaker. I will try to add these proofs into my next speech.
This is really my first introduction to Aristotle. I have heard of Aristotle but did not quite understand his relevance to communication. This was a great introduction. The usage of Dr. King’s speech to explain ethos, logos, and pathos was really easy to understand. I also didn’t realize how important it was to incorporate these three rhetorical proofs into speaking. I will definitely pay closer attention to try and write my speech’s and address Aristotle’s rhetoric in my composition. In my opinion and Griffin stated this as well, there hasn’t been a more effective speck written since Dr. King’s I have a dream.
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech truly is a classic and is likely referenced in every public speaking text. What's interesting about this speech is that the words alone are quite moving. When combined with King's delivery style, the speech is highly persuasive. This speech provides an excellent example of how logos, pathos, and ethos work together to provide a powerful message. King gave many speeches and sermons in his short lifetime, yet this is one that resonates with people across time and place.
One of my favorite parts of communications is examining past speeches and learning what made them effective. In the Martin L. King " I have a dream" speech, he uses pathos to influence the audience. There are several other great speeches that have a similar affect. JFK, Lincoln, and Bill Polmon's Independence Day speech just to name a few (From the movie Independence day, which i believe to be one of greatest speeches =)). All of these speeches hit our emotions, and because of this we will never forget them.
I also agree with the comments made by others. You can also tell when a speech as really made a connection within you, when you feel a rush come about your body. When that one word that strikes a chord with you, or the actions of an orator in a speech, you will have a similar reaction. The best speeches involve the connection of ethos, logos, and pathos. Speeches mentioned, especially Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, are the typical speech which covers all basis. In my experience, a speech which only applies to one of the aspects of ethos, logos, and pathos, often do not strike that chord with me. They are seemingly causing something that holds me back from having the same charged feeling of motivation about a speech.
I love how the author used MLK's speech in order to show the importance of rhetoric in a speech. I think that Aristotle was on to something when it came of the many important things a speaker must do when delivering a speech. MLK'S speech is a classic example of a speaker fulfilling pathos, logos, and ethos and moving an audience and tapping in to what they believe in.
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