Kathryn McGinn

Logos, Pathos, and Ethos in Speaking

            Logos, Pathos and Ethos can be very powerful tools used by speakers to best convey their message to their audience.  Jimmy Valvano’s 1993 ESPY speech is a prime example of all three.  It’s moving message is most known for the line “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”

            Mr. Valvano uses the appeal to logic through personal experience and being very straightforward with his stories and relating it back to his overall message.  Jimmy also includes facts about the prevalence of cancer and how the disease could affect so many members of the audience.  Everything he said makes sense and was relatable to the audience.

            Jimmy’s lovable personality and sense of humor instantly draws in his audience.  His credibility as a legendary basketball coach helps pass along his message to embrace every day of your life.  Battling cancer also gave him credibility and made people more likely to support his foundation for cancer research.

            Pathos was the strongest appeal used by Jimmy Valvano during his ESPY speech.  He cracks jokes throughout his speech but eventually ties everything back to his love for life and encouraging everyone to live their life the way he did.  When the screen was flashing that he had thirty seconds left to give his speech, Mr. Valvano simply laughed and said “I got tumors all over my body and I’m worried about some guy in the back going thirty seconds?”  He follows this up with motivating people to follow their dreams and make them a reality.  This tugs on the heartstrings of his audience considering Jimmy only had such a short time left.  He announces his foundation for cancer research and was seeking support to raise money for cancer research and hopefully curing the disease. 

           

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoVM9nm42E