The Way You Present An Argument Is Often Tied Into It

The Way You Present An Argument Is Often Tied Into The Way The Argumen

The way you present an argument is often tied into the way the argument is perceived by the audience. Rhetoric is often considered to be the art of making an argument. When writers create an argument, they often use three types of rhetorical appeals: logos, ethos, and pathos.

• Logos (logical appeal)

o What makes the argument logical? When using logos, the writer includes specific evidence and organizes the work to showcase his/her logic.

• Ethos (ethical appeal)

o Why is the writer credible? In other words, an appeal to ethos involves the writer’s credibility and qualifications.

• Pathos (emotional appeal)

o In what way does the writer appeal to the reader’s emotions?

Pathos means that the reader cares about what the writer is stating. In this rhetorical analysis, you will examine a speech to determine how effectively the author uses these three appeals. You should be able to see how each appeal falls into the speech. Pay attention to how the writer uses each appeal and also note if the writer lacks in any of the three appeals.

Paper For Above Instruction

Introduction

The rhetorical power of a speech hinges on how effectively the speaker employs the three classical appeals: logos, ethos, and pathos. Analyzing Hillary Rodham Clinton's speech "Women's Rights Are Human Rights" reveals the strategic use of these appeals and their effectiveness in persuading the audience about gender equality as a human rights issue. This essay evaluates how Clinton leverages these rhetorical strategies to strengthen her argument, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement in her rhetorical delivery.

Logos in Clinton’s Speech

Clinton’s use of logos is significant, as she incorporates factual evidence and logical reasoning to substantiate her claims. For instance, she references international human rights standards and legal precedents to argue that women’s rights are fundamental human rights (Clinton, 1995). By citing specific examples and data, such as the discrimination women face worldwide, she constructs a coherent and reasoned case. Her organization of ideas allows the audience to follow her logical progression from identifying injustices to advocating for change, which enhances her persuasive impact. However, there are moments when her reliance on emotional appeal slightly undermines her strict logical structure, suggesting that a more balanced integration could strengthen her argument further.

Ethos in Clinton’s Speech

Clinton effectively establishes her credibility through her position as a prominent political leader and advocate for women’s rights. She references her own experiences and background to reinforce her authority, which adds authenticity to her message. For example, she states her commitment to human rights, drawing on her past involvement in issues related to women and global equality (Clinton, 1995). Her tone and confidence also bolster her ethos, making her appear trustworthy and knowledgeable. Nevertheless, some critics argue that over-reliance on her personal credentials could potentially limit the perceived objectivity of her advocacy, especially among audiences who may seek more impartial evidence. Overall, her credibility is solidly conveyed through her background and assured delivery.

Pathos in Clinton’s Speech

Clinton’s use of pathos is arguably the most compelling aspect of her speech. She appeals to the audience’s emotions by telling vivid stories of women suffering discrimination and violence, thus evoking empathy and moral concern (Clinton, 1995). Her passionate tone and emotive language, such as describing women’s struggles as “fundamental human rights,” evoke a sense of urgency. Clinton’s imagery and personal stories foster an emotional connection that motivates her audience to support gender equality initiatives. While the emotional appeals are powerful, there is a risk of emotional appeal overshadowing logical evidence, which could potentially undermine the argument’s credibility among skeptics seeking more rational proof. Nonetheless, her effective use of pathos substantially enhances her overall persuasive strategy.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Clinton’s speech excels in its strategic and skillful deployment of pathos, which engages the audience on an emotional level and inspires action. Her credible background and confident delivery bolster her ethos effectively. Her logical appeals, supported with evidence, provide a solid foundation; however, in certain sections, a more rigorous organization of facts and statistics could augment her logical appeal. Additionally, balancing emotional appeals with more varied evidence could make her argument more comprehensive and convincing across diverse audiences. Improving the integration between the appeals and ensuring they complement each other seamlessly would strengthen future rhetorical efforts.

Conclusion

Hillary Clinton’s speech “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights” demonstrates a compelling use of all three rhetorical appeals—logos, ethos, and pathos. Her strategic storytelling and emotional engagement successfully mobilize her audience’s moral and empathetic responses, while her credible background lends authority to her message. Nonetheless, balancing emotional appeals with more robust logical evidence and ensuring an even distribution of these elements could further enhance her persuasive effectiveness. Overall, the speech exemplifies how masterful use of rhetorical strategies can inspire societal change and elevate a cause to a universal human rights issue.

References

Clinton, H. R. (1995). Women’s rights are human rights. Speech at the United Nations, Beijing.

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Burke, K. (1969). A Grammar of Motives. University of California Press.

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