The End of the Blogs

After reading "Means of Persuasion," it was very compelling to analyze the extensive use of emotional, ethical and logic appeals from former President "Barack Obama's Speech on Race." President Obama begins his speech with logical appeals, as he explains the the roots of slavery and its presence within the constitution. The president then smoothly shifts his speech into emotional territory, and his use of pathos almost seemed to be an ethical appeal as well, due to his sympathetic and passionate way of speaking. He then adds to his ethical appeal with background information of his family and life, and he explains his racial background and what effect is has had on his life. This speech is very interesting all around because of its use of these appeals. Present Obama smoothly used all three appeals in a cohesive manner to help persuade the audience in an effective way. His appeals seem to all be working together, as a group that is laying out the methods of persuasion, rather than as single independent units. I found that looking at the appeals in this way is eye-opening, and it helps me gain an understanding the influence and importance of appeals while trying to persuade a reader or audience.