Ethos, Pathos, Logos Examples to Know for Intro to Public Speaking

Understanding Ethos, Pathos, and Logos is key in public speaking. These concepts help speakers connect with their audience, build credibility, and present logical arguments. Examples from influential speeches show how these elements create powerful and persuasive messages.

1. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech

   • Utilizes powerful imagery and repetition to evoke emotional responses (Pathos).
   • Establishes credibility through King's personal experiences and moral authority (Ethos).
   • Appeals to the American ideals of freedom and equality, presenting logical arguments for civil rights (Logos).

2. Steve Jobs' Stanford commencement address

   • Shares personal anecdotes that resonate emotionally with the audience (Pathos).
   • Demonstrates authenticity and credibility by discussing his own failures and successes (Ethos).
   • Encourages critical thinking about life choices and the importance of following one's passion (Logos).

3. Aristotle's original concept of ethos, pathos, and logos

   • Ethos refers to the speaker's credibility and ethical appeal.
   • Pathos involves emotional appeal, aiming to persuade the audience through feelings.
   • Logos is the logical appeal, using reason and evidence to support arguments.

4. Barack Obama's 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address

   • Inspires hope and unity through emotional storytelling (Pathos).
   • Establishes credibility by sharing his background and vision for America (Ethos).
   • Presents a logical argument for change and the importance of collective action (Logos).

5. Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech

   • Uses resolute and defiant language to evoke a sense of determination and courage (Pathos).
   • Establishes credibility as a wartime leader committed to victory (Ethos).
   • Provides a logical framework for the necessity of fighting against tyranny (Logos).

6. Oprah Winfrey's Golden Globes acceptance speech

   • Connects emotionally with the audience by addressing issues of injustice and empowerment (Pathos).
   • Builds credibility through her personal journey and advocacy for women's rights (Ethos).
   • Uses logical reasoning to highlight the importance of speaking out against oppression (Logos).

7. John F. Kennedy's inaugural address

   • Inspires patriotism and collective responsibility through emotional appeals (Pathos).
   • Establishes credibility as a newly elected president addressing the nation (Ethos).
   • Presents logical calls to action for global cooperation and civic engagement (Logos).

8. Malala Yousafzai's United Nations speech

   • Evokes strong emotions by sharing her personal story of resilience and advocacy for education (Pathos).
   • Establishes credibility as a young activist who survived violence for her beliefs (Ethos).
   • Uses logical arguments to advocate for education as a fundamental right (Logos).

9. Ronald Reagan's Challenger disaster address

   • Connects emotionally with the nation by expressing sorrow and honoring the astronauts (Pathos).
   • Establishes credibility as a leader during a national tragedy (Ethos).
   • Provides a logical perspective on the importance of exploration and perseverance (Logos).

10. Greta Thunberg's UN Climate Action Summit speech

    • Evokes urgency and emotional appeal regarding the climate crisis (Pathos).
    • Establishes credibility as a passionate youth activist advocating for future generations (Ethos).
    • Presents logical arguments supported by scientific evidence on climate change (Logos).