In “A More Perfect Union”, addressed by former President
Barack Obama, contains numerous examples of each appeal. This man knew what he
was doing! He especially conveyed Pathos, or emotional appeal, when talking
about his family history and how no where else in the world would it have been
possible to have a childhood like his. Obama addresses several points in which
his audience is moved emotionally, enhancing his likability. Of course, as
Aristotle said, no argument is complete without using “all available means” of
persuasion. Obama’s speech utilizes each appeal to its full extent and they all
come together to create a strong, hopeful argument. “A Means of Persuasion”
delivers to its readers the three appeals and how to use them accordingly, as
well as how to identify them in text and examples of each. This text was more
along the lines of a guide, rather than President Obama’s “A More Perfect Union”
speech. Both readings use each appeal, but they are revealed differently.
Barack Obama’s speech discretely uses appeals in every corner, where as the
textbook tells you exactly what each appeal is and shows an example of them
after each explanation. Both sources are incredibly useful in determining how
to persuade my audience, especially for this upcoming presentation. As this is my final blog post, I'd like to take a moment to thank whoever reads these things and wish you all success in your future! What a unique group of people this class is and it has been a pleasure getting to know you all.
Peace out girl scouts...
Gabi Harkrider☮
I completely agree with the fact that Barack Obama, being the great orator that he is, effectively and efficiently utilizes all three forms of appeal in his "A More Perfect Union Speech". During his opening remarks, President Obama states,"'We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.'Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy," thus appealing to the logical, intellectual and historical aspects of American democracy. He claims that, although shackled by a history of slavery, our Founding Fathers intended the equality of all men. This is a powerful connection to history, as he then addresses the issues of race in the modern world. Obama illustrates how minority races continue to be oppressed and how this stems back to the times of slavery. To tie this to the other reading, as Aristotle said, no argument is complete without using “all available means” of persuasion. This is very much true in President Obama's speech, as he includes personal anecdotes and heart touching stories to emotionally appeal to his audience, along with ethical appeals to reassure the audience of his political intentions.
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