1. Analyze a recent persuasive speech (within the past three years) utilizing each of
Aristotle’s three artistic proofs: logos, ethos, pathos. You can pull from different branches of
government and/or occasions, and various issues.
2. Identify the speaker, speech, and occasion.
3. Source all examples from the same speech to examine the interrelation between the modes
of proof.
4. Feel free to use any of the terms and concepts for each type of proof.
For instance, you could identify an enthymeme and/or a series of examples for logos.
You could also analyze intelligerce, character, and/or goodwill as the primary method
of establishing ethos.
You could recognize the speaker’s evocation of any of the emotions as an example of
pathos.
5. For each concept, develop a clear thesis in one paragraph (three paragraphs total,
approximately one page each).
Aside from identifying the speaker, speech, and occasion, avoid introductory comments one
would typically find in a full-length essay, for instance: “The lecture notes
outline several types of artistic proof” or “rhetoric is a multi-faceted part of our society.”
Simply begin with the first concept that applies to your example, such as: “The speaker used
the following enthymeme as a means of creating logos!” Then proceed to illustrate
this artistic proof through brief quotations (1-2 sentences max. for each quotation) from the
speech itself.
For each example. provide direct quotations that demonstrate that concept. In other
words, provide proof or evidence for your claim about the speaker’s method of persuasion.
Keep quotations 1-2 sentences maximum. It’s better to follow each brief quotation
with strong explanations in your own words than to simply string together a series of block
quotations. The goal is to show your analytical skills.
