Aristotle’s Rhetoric is essentially a number of persuasion techniques, and these techniques are broken up into different sets of categories. Now watch the below video which is an excerpt from a speech from the film Patton. General Geroge S. Patton gave this speech during World War II and this is the films reproduction of it. Pay close attention to not only what he is saying, but how he is saying it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40pWnzCHktw
(excuse the link but embedding for the video was disabled)
This is a well-known speech for a reason, because it beautifully exemplifies Aristotle’s 3 appeals:
-Logos- Appeal based upon logic
-Ethos- Appeal based upon the character of the speaker
-Pathos- Appeal based upon emotions
First Logos, what is being said is based upon logic, although this excerpt does not do justice to the speech, it does show his ‘do or die’ spirit. He also talks about advancing in battle and referencing the war strategy. Next Ethos, notice the metals decorating the speakers jacket, clearly he is a man that has gone through the military ranks, a man of honor, and needless to say credibility. And finally it exemplifies Pathos. Patton uses strong imagery in the speech such as when he talks about the graphic nature of experiencing the death of a comrade.
Another series of points given by Aristotle are the 5 cannons. The 5 cannons are ways to make speeches the most effective.
First, invention, speeches should include new and informative facts and figures in order to be more effective. The second cannon is, arrangement, which is rather self-explanatory. The information given should be in a clear and logical order to help the listeners understand and maintain the information. Third, style, which is saying that the speech should be given with strong language not spoken as if written by a child. The words have to be powerful enough to have a lasting effect. Next is memory, as in the speaker must practice and memorize the speech. This is important because no one will listen or learn from someone who does not know what they are saying themselves. And lastly is delivery, the person giving the speech needs to show confidence, and speak loudly and clearly not only so they are understood, but so that it is clear that they are passionate about what is being said.
The last issue of Aristotle’s rhetoric that I will discuss is the golden mean. Remembering back to high school math most will remember that the mean is the average, which is also what it is here. Aristotle’s golden mean is a way of suggesting not to go to any extreme and to try to keep things relatively balanced. If you go too far in one direction, then the other direction will start to hurt.
Knowing this much more about Aristotle’s theories on speech and persuasion, go back and look at the above video and see how Logos, Ethos and Pathos apply, also take note to how the 5 cannons and the golden mean are exemplified, not only in that speech but all speeches, both real and fictional. All of the great speeches from Martin Luther King, to more recently Barack Obama use Aristotle’s Rhetorical theories and are all the better for it.
General George Patton was one of the great Commanders and military tactians of the 20th century, he intimated people just by walking into a room, and any room that received him showed him the greatest respect anyone can be given. The Patton speech is a great example of Aristotle rhetoric. Aristotle said that the speaker must be credible, as "many impressions are formed before the speaker ever begins." Three qualities Aristotle said that help build credibility were "intelligence, character, and goodwill. You can tell by doing research on General Patton or by watching the embodying that George C Scott does of the character that he is a man who embodied all three of these qualities. I first saw this movie when I was about 12 years old my dad showed it to me. I was only 12 years old, but this speech it grabs it makes you want to listen, and it never lets you go. I could listen to this entire speech ten times before I got bored with it. The three appeals Aristotle is talking about are good reasons why. He uses pathos in a mesmerizing way when you’re trying to motivate people and get them to fight for you what better way to fire them up by getting the mad or upset by using imagery. Patton always had a taste for the dramatic he pissed a lot of people off just being himself. Just the way he carried himself and his manner towards people, but when you looked at him you knew you were supposed to shut up and listen. Patton always had his helmet on chin strap buckled, and had his whip handy dressed in full military fatigues. He always showed up in a jeep so everyone could see him coming. Patton wanted to get the job done he wanted to go forward and never stop you either win the battle or you die trying. There is no retreat was his motto. This is an example of Logos in his speech. Other speeches like this or you could compare to be General Stonewall Jacksons Speech to his men at the first Battle of Bull Run it is historically accurate, or William Wallace’s speech to his Scottish troops who were fighting for independence from England. I put links below if anyone wants to check them out. They also use Aristotle’s Rhetoric I think.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYzt1ao81jU
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLrrBs8JBQo
Sadly, I have never seen this movie but I will try to analysis this clip through Aristotle Rhetoric theory. Rhetoric is basically the art of speaking. Patton says, "The enemy, we're going to hold him by the nose and kick him in the ass...." Emotional proof is striking a responsive chord with the audience. Patton's tone of voice and words causes confidence rather than fear. Cal stated that, "Patton uses strong imagery in the speech such as when he talks about the graphic nature of experiencing the death of a comrade." Patton could be trying to use anger rather than mildness because he is using interpersonal slights to make the audience mad. This speech demonstrates ethical proof because his speech is credible, Patton himself seems credible. He is perceived as a virtuous character with the American flag in the background, medals on his uniform, and body language when he talks. Patton also shows goodwill throughout this clip. He relates to the audience but stating everything will be alright, we are going to when by killing Nazis. The Logical proof is:
ReplyDeleteMajor or general premise: Violence wins wars.
Minor or specific premise: The Nazis will kill us.
Conclusion: Kill the Nazis, win the war.
I was confused with the Logical proof if anyone could clarify its definition it would be helpful.
Great clip, I wish I saw the whole movie before to fully understand the clip.
I have not seen this movie but from the one minute clip of the speech is very straight forward and Patton doesn't use much of a persuasive tone as he speaks. I've noticed Patton's speech is more demanding victory, commanding to kill the Nazis, and living/dying with pride. In a way, this is a method of persuasion as well. The demanding tone shows the urgency of what goals need to be met, which for this movie was to battle and kill Nazis.
ReplyDeleteIn the Inauguration speech, President Obama used a very bold, confident, and in a way demanding tone as well as Patton. It's persuasion that's being done but the tone of their voices demands. Obama demands and promises change and trust that America will change and work on our nation's crisis together as one. In Obama's speech, I remember how he spoke to make America as one nation, one people, under one name, The United States of America, despite any personal characteristics.
When persuasion is being done, whether it's a leader or not, they must speak with confidence and organization. Confidence gives audience trust in the persuader and organization in speech shows the audience that plans have been made and the goal will be reached.
I enjoyed the clip, now maybe I'll go watch the whole movie :D