Aristotle’s Three Proofs (ethos, pathos, logos)

Please follow standard paper format:
 Introduction: A one paragraph introduction, ending with a clear thesis statement that previews the
three main points you will discuss (e.g., “I will analyze this speech in terms of Aristotle’s three key
components of a speech: ethos, logos, and pathos”).
 Body: Three subsequent paragraphs or sections, each devoted to developing one of your main points
(e.g., paragraph on ethos, paragraph on logos, and paragraph on pathos). In each paragraph/section:
√ State one proof and define/explain what the proof is/means (e.g., “Ethos refers to ….”).
√ Identify the degree to which each Aristotelian proof is present within the speech and support
with all of the examples that you see in the speech (e.g., “This speaker establishes a high degree
of ethos by… specific examples from speech.”). This means you don’t want to be general, but,
rather, be specific in your examples (e.g., when discussing logos in a paper, don’t just say the
speaker used support—specify the exact support used in that speech). PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW EACH EXAMPLE SHOWS ETHOS, PATHOS, OR LOGOS.
 Conclusion: A one paragraph conclusion that reviews the main points and then evaluates the overall
effectiveness of the speech in terms of the ethos, logos, and pathos. Does the speech achieve its
communicative purpose or intent? Why/why not? Answer this question in terms of the three proofs.
Then end by noting the key “take aways” you have gained from completing this analysis.
 Copy of Speech: A complete text of the speech analyzed is attached. Not only will you need the text
of the speech to closely scrutinize and take notes, but I will likely need it, too, because it’s difficult to
grade an analysis of a speech you may not have heard or can locate easily. Therefore, no copy of
speech, no grade.
Please note: By the end of this paper, you should clearly identify a minimum of 10 different ways in
which the Aristotelian proofs (ethos, logos, and pathos) are established or created in the speech (10
total, not 10 for each proof). For each of the 10 examples that you provide, bold, italicize, or in some
other way highlight it, so that you will be able to see easily (as will I) that you have, in fact, provided 10
examples.
The paper will be graded on accurate and substantive application of Aristotelian proofs (a minimum of ten
specific examples of the proofs in the speech analyzed are described in the paper), use of public speaking
principles to inform the analysis (what you have learned in this course is put to good use), clarity of
thought (points are easily understandable), and quality of writing (proofread). This should be a critical
analysis that shows some depth and insight into the application of ethos, pathos, and logos in oratory, and
displays your knowledge of the finer aspects of public speaking.
Papers must always be typed and a minimum of two complete pages of text (standard margins, font size,
etc.) excluding headings. You may feel free to write more, but not less than this page minimum without
significant point penalty. Papers must also meet standards of college writing; failure to do so will likely
result in the paper returned ungraded. The Writing Center is a helpful resource for students in this regard.

PLEASE USE OBAMA’S “A MORE PERFECT UNION’ SPEECH