Forms of appeal

Barack Obama's 2008 victory speech is dominated by ethos and pathos.…

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Ethos

Obama appeals to trust and authority throughout the speech because he wants to make himself appear trustworthy, caring, and knowledgeable.

For example, he borrows ethos from historical figures and American founding documents to draw parallels with the present and to convince the audience that his own views are inspired by American ideals: “…more than two centuries later a government of the peopl…

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Pathos

The speaker appeals to the audience’s emotions to achieve his intentions by stirring an emotional response.

In many cases, he wants to awaken feelings of empathy for Americans who struggle, and to suggest that he understands their position: “There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make th…