In a speech to motivate action, why should the audience be provided with information to take action immediately?
When would a statement of reasons pattern be effective?
When would a comparative-advantages pattern be effective?
In the notes this week there is a list of fallacies that should not be used in speeches. Provide an expanded definition and examples for each of the terms listed.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Essay Title: The Power of Immediate Action: Motivating Change through Information
Thesis Statement:
Providing the audience with information that urges immediate action is paramount in driving meaningful change and fostering a sense of urgency. While a statement of reasons pattern is effective in logical appeals, a comparative-advantages pattern can be persuasive in highlighting the benefits of taking action promptly. By avoiding fallacies in speeches, speakers can maintain credibility and integrity in their arguments, ensuring that their message resonates authentically with the audience.
Introduction:
In the realm of motivational speeches, the timing of action is crucial in inspiring individuals to make a difference and effect positive change. By equipping the audience with pertinent information that compels them to take immediate action, speakers can ignite a sense of urgency and empower listeners to become catalysts for transformation. In this essay, we will explore the significance of providing information to prompt immediate action, examine the effectiveness of statement of reasons and comparative-advantages patterns, and highlight the importance of avoiding fallacies to uphold the integrity of persuasive communication.
Importance of Immediate Action:
When addressing an audience, the provision of information that elicits immediate action serves as a call to arms, igniting a sense of purpose and urgency. By highlighting the pressing nature of an issue or opportunity, speakers can mobilize individuals to act swiftly and decisively, maximizing the impact of their efforts and driving tangible outcomes. Immediate action not only capitalizes on the momentum generated by the speech but also emphasizes the timeliness and relevance of the cause, instilling a sense of responsibility and agency in the audience.
Effective Patterns in Persuasion:
1. Statement of Reasons Pattern:
– Definition: The statement of reasons pattern involves presenting logical arguments and evidence to support a particular course of action or belief. This pattern relies on reasoning and rationale to persuade the audience of the validity and soundness of the speaker’s position.
– Example: “We must take immediate action to combat climate change because scientific research unequivocally demonstrates the escalating risks posed by rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation.”
2. Comparative-Advantages Pattern:
– Definition: The comparative-advantages pattern entails contrasting the benefits of taking a specific action with the consequences of inaction or alternative courses of behavior. By highlighting the advantages and positive outcomes associated with a particular decision, this pattern persuades the audience to choose the most beneficial option.
– Example: “Investing in renewable energy technologies not only mitigates environmental damage but also creates new job opportunities, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and promotes sustainable economic growth. By embracing clean energy solutions now, we pave the way for a brighter and greener future for generations to come.”
Avoiding Fallacies in Speeches:
In persuasive communication, it is essential to steer clear of fallacies that undermine the credibility and persuasiveness of one’s arguments. Some common fallacies to avoid include:
1. Ad Hominem Fallacy:
– Definition: Attacking the character or traits of an individual making an argument rather than addressing the substance of the argument itself.
– Example: “We cannot trust Dr. Smith’s research findings on climate change because he drives a gas-guzzling SUV.”
2. False Dichotomy Fallacy:
– Definition: Presenting an argument as if there are only two options or outcomes when, in reality, there are more possibilities to consider.
– Example: “Either we completely defund public education or our economy will collapse.”
3. Slippery Slope Fallacy:
– Definition: Asserting that a particular action will lead to a series of increasingly dire consequences without providing sufficient evidence for such a causal chain.
– Example: “If we allow students to have more flexibility in their curriculum choices, it will inevitably result in academic chaos and the devaluation of our education system.”
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the provision of information that prompts immediate action is a potent tool for motivating change and inspiring individuals to make a difference. Whether employing a statement of reasons pattern to appeal to logic or a comparative-advantages pattern to highlight benefits, speakers can effectively persuade their audience to act decisively and purposefully. By avoiding fallacies in speeches and maintaining integrity in their arguments, speakers can enhance their credibility and foster genuine connections with listeners, ultimately driving meaningful impact and positive transformation in society.
