The most powerful speeches go beyond making good arguments— they leave a lasting impression.
Rhetoric
We’ve all heard about the rhetorical triangle: ethos, pathos, logos.
Logos: the appeal to logic.
Ethos: the appeal to credibility.
Pathos: the appeal to emotion.
We’ll focus on the most difficult: pathos. How do you influence what people feel?
3. Show, Don’t Tell
Where does he use vivid language, metaphor, or narrative instead of just stating facts?
Visual Language & Storytelling:
“With the blood dripping down his jaws like a bloody-jawed wolf…”
“A rice farmer… with nothing but gym shoes and a bowl of rice… took him and his tanks…”
“The ballot or the bullet” itself is a metaphor for peaceful resistance vs. violent uprising.
Why It Works:
Instead of simply saying “America is unjust,” Malcolm X shows America as predatory, hypocritical, and fragile. Through gripping imagery, he builds urgency and emotional power.
| Device | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Anaphora (Repetition) | “You’ve been had. You’ve been took. You’ve been hoodwinked.” | Builds rhythm and emphasizes betrayal. |
| Allusion | Patrick Henry, General Motors, Woolworth’s, Vietnam War | Connects Black liberation to mainstream American narratives. |
| Sarcasm/Irony | “You don't take your case to the criminal. You take your criminal to court.” | Undermines government credibility with sharp wit. |
| Inclusive Language | “You and I…”, “our people” | Creates solidarity with the audience. |
| Appeal to Urgency | “It’s already too late…” | Mobilizes listeners—change must happen now. |
Rhetoric
The most powerful speeches go beyond making good arguments— they leave a lasting impression.
View this slideshow that walks you through how to include effective pathos in your speeches!
Rhetorical analysis
1. Rhetorical Theme
What value anchors the speech? What emotional current drives it?
Identified Theme(s):
Justice – Malcolm X consistently demands dignity, rights, and recognition.
Betrayal – He frames the American government and political parties as betraying Black Americans.
Empowerment – Through self-determination and nationalism.
Textual Evidence:
“You and I have never seen democracy – all we've seen is hypocrisy.”
“If you're black, you were born in jail.”
“It’s freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody.”
Why It Works:
These themes tap into anger, frustration, and a deep hunger for power and self-respect. Malcolm speaks to lived experience—his values resonate because they feel real and shared.
2. Parallel or Comparative
How does Malcolm X make abstract ideas concrete using comparisons?
Key Comparisons:
Colonialism → Black life in America
“Just as it took nationalism to remove colonialism from Asia and Africa, it'll take Black nationalism today…”
Democrats & Dixiecrats → A political con game
“They got a thing they call gerrymandering… political foxes. A fox and a wolf are both canine... either dog you choose, you'll still be in the doghouse.”
American Revolution → Black resistance
“Liberty or death” wasn’t just for Patrick Henry—Black Americans are now making the same demand.
Why It Works:
These parallels allow audiences to relate to big concepts. They see how nationalism, betrayal, and oppression aren’t abstract—they are repeating cycles with familiar patterns that they experience in everyday life.
4. Rhetorical Devices in Action
“Snark sells, but it doesn't stick. It doesn't last with people. What lasts with people is you connect with them.”
Michael Ricci, speechwriter for Paul Ryan and John Boehner,
Panorama Podcast
Tips for Strong Rhetoric
Start with a clear theme: Choose a value like justice, betrayal, or resilience to guide your rhetorical choices. Ground your speech in something emotionally resonant and universally understandable.
Use comparisons to bring ideas to life: Analogies and metaphors help abstract issues feel concrete—but make sure they're accurate, respectful, and based in truth.
Tell stories, don’t recite facts: Show, don’t tell. Vivid storytelling makes your audience feel your argument, not just understand it intellectually.
Stay audience-aware: Adjust your tone and references depending on who you’re speaking to. Humor and drama work differently depending on your setting.
Be respectful—even when being bold: You can challenge systems, policies, or power without disrespecting individuals. Aim to criticize institutions, not people.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Insensitivity: Never deliver rhetoric at the expense of a marginalized group or any individual in the chamber. Don’t commodify trauma or oversimplify experiences you haven’t lived. Before using examples involving specific communities, ask:
“Who is impacted, and what barriers do they face?”
Educate yourself and speak with care.
Over-reliance on statistics without emotion: Data is useful, but numbers don’t move people—stories and values do. Tie stats to real people or experiences.
Don’t talk at people: Talk with them. Speak from a position of sharing your perspective—not giving something. You aren’t above your audience, so connect with them.
Final Note:
Rhetoric is power. Use it to uplift, illuminate, and inspire—not to diminish, distract, or mock. The best speeches aren’t just clever—they’re compassionate and courageous.