Introduction
The goal of this writing is to ensure the audience are convinced or persuaded by your ideas. We have fours means that can be used to persuade anyone that the ideas you are using are valid from others. This includes the usage of Logos style which refers to internal consistence of the message being written or given. It helps in clarifying a claim, gives the logic of its reasoning and the effectiveness of its supporting evidence. Another mean is by the use of Ethos which shows the character of a speaker, this includes his trustworthiness, or his credibility. The speaker’s different view of the world is exposed. Pathos is always linked with the emotional appeal. It helps the audience to identify with speaker or writers point of view. And lastly, Fallacies do take advantage of the social relationships between people (Fischer, p. 56).
Martin Luther the King used the means of appeal, and persuasion in his speech “I have a dream” to convince his audience that he was aiming at achieving his dream of a free nation where there will be equality and all races will join hands in achieving the set common goals of the country. King desired that, all colors would unite and be corrected by character rather than race. He went ahead to appeal to the people that, there is no way, African American would be satisfied, until their desire from persecution, frustrations and hatred is overcome. It is argued that King’s speech was one of the most persuading one in the history of America. “The logos, pathos, ethos and fallacies, many people across America opened their eyes” especially those who were blinded by the mere color of the skin (Nikel, p. 66).
Ethos
Martin Luther the king combined credibility on his speech to give the audience a chance to understand and conceptualize its details. Due to his background as a member of the African American black community, King was well conversant with problems that his community went through during these years of rampant segregation in the United States. In this speech, King concentrated on telling his audience that they will “never be satisfied as long as their bodies, tired from travel were not in position to secure a place in the motels of the highways and the hotels in the cities” (Nikel, p. 61). The king gave an example emphasizing the way some of his black people were battered by the police, just because they requested for freedom from persecution. There was no single day that passed without a black man being treated unequally just because of the racism. Through out his speech, he bought out real issues and examples making those listening to him to view the situation in another point, admitting that it was seriously wrong and evil treatment to the black skinned people (Nikel, p. 63).
The Logos
The king also used Logos in a manner that was so excellent in his speech. Almost every message he spoke was unforgettable to some people. He began by giving the history of America and explaining the reason why they had that gathering at that time. King stated that “it was time for doors of opportunities to be opened to all the God’s children, and also a time to lift their nation from racial injustices to the solid rock of brotherhood” (Nikel, p. 67). He pointed out the reality on how things were and possibilities of how things could be in the future. King Luther Martin summarized his thoughts and ideas leaving almost everyone meditating and thinking over his final and most powerful words of assurance of freedom at last, and giving God the glory because they are free after along period of suffering under racism.
The Pathos
King presented his speech to a familiar audience, which accurately illustrated the style of pathos in which he was able to express his feelings as well as invoke the feelings of the audience at the same time. That is, just the way he was an African American so were his audience. So when he spoke, it was not only coming from his heart but also from their hearts too. This was true through the evidence of “his tone and voice and his gestures when he was emphasizing on justice, freedom and liberty” (Nikel, p. 68). He said that day they will achieve his dream, all the children of God will be in position to sing with a new meaning in their lives. Because of the stand he chose to make, people became aware that he really loved justice; this was evident in the many marches he made in several different states apart from the speeches he made. For sure his “passion and the will to end racial discrimination” in the history of mankind and it will never be forgotten (Nikel, p. 68).
Fallacies
Finally, King Martin Luther used another style of proof which is fallacy. He put a lot of emphasis on the individual rights such as liberty and happiness. He said that there was to be provision of freedom and security of justice. King built a common ground for the protestors. He stated that it was this change that will bring justice. And thus he never wished to see the African American expressing feeling of hatred to their counter parts. From his speech, he was made known to people that he was a man of great character and honor.
Conclusion
Martin Luther King had a great impact on the American people. He could be described as one who was more than effective and incredible in his speeches. This speech he made took place 48years ago, but his message is still remembered up to date and many people quote them in their daily lives. He was a man of Christ and thus he allowed Lord to guide him in his ministry as a reverent. His passion for justice and freedom was so effective that it changed their nation. People responded to his unity appeal with enthusiasm. Therefore, it was through this speech on “I have a dream “that really opened people’s eyes to see the reality of the situation and began action immediately. Finally, the dream came to be a reality as there is peace, justice and freedom among the African American and the whites. This is proved today, as we see America being led by an African American “His Excellence Barrack Obama as the president. Hence the king is a man who made a great history and he will never be forgotten of his great works and empowering words he used in his speeches. King had a unique way of delivering speeches. He acknowledged the weaknesses of humans. “I have a dream” will continue to inspire many in the modern day politics.
Work cited
- Fischer, Walton. Historians’ Fallacies: Toward Logic of Historical Thought. New York: Harper Torch books, 1970.
- Nikel, Douglas. Informal logic: A handbook for critical argumentation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989. Web.