Essay On Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech is designed to reinforce or change the beliefs or actions of your audience members, which was the main focal points seen in Dr. King, Henry V, and the Independence Day speeches. Though these are all very different speeches given at very different points in time, the organization, use of rhetorical devices, and the speakers’ ability to appeal to the audience ethos, pathos, and logos throughout each individual speech is what brings them all together.
How Dr. King organized his speech was very important, as his speech was organized in a very unique fashion. Stylistically the speech has been described as a work of poetry and a magnificent sermon, bursting with biblical language and imagery, along with rhythm and frequent repetition. However, it is alliteration King used to drive home the key points throughout his speech. The key message seen in Dr. King’s speech is that all people are created equal. Even as this was not the case in America at the time, King felt it must be the case for the future, arguing passionately and powerfully for his cause.
King was a very educated man. In preparation for his speech he studied the Bible, The Gettysburg Address, and the US Declaration of Independence, all of which he alludes to in his address. King used the Ethos audience appeal in his favor, with intent on establishing his credibility and reputation early on in his speech. Because this was a speech based around segregation, there are many different avenues of the Pathos audience appeal in which King uses, so much so, it is impossible to discuss them all. However, throughout his speech, King manages to stay focused on his main points as well as incorporate this critical audience appeal. On such a delicate topic, it is ...

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...rning.” sets the stage for the entire speech. While it may not seem like an effective hook to a great speech, one must consider the context. Soldiers and civilians all around are preparing for the final stand against alien invaders, the last thing they would expect to hear over the intercom would be a simple “good morning”, delivered by the president himself. Throughout the speech, Whitmore strengthens his message by not drawing attention to himself, making no gestures or movement. Considering the situation, right before a battle that would shape the course of humanity, the message needed to be as simple and straightforward as the surroundings. By keeping the focus on the message and not himself. Whitmore spoke extremely well in his speech, and his message achieved the desired impact he was looking for. His delivery only served to aid that impact, and did just so.