write an essay that is a rhetorical analysis of the following speech:
Video: “Misinformation: The New Public Health Crisis” by Emerson Brooking at TEDxNYU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTjecXxscIU
You will likely need to watch this speech several times while you are writing this essay.
Keep in mind that you must first determine what you believe the purpose of the speech is before you can evaluate whether or not the speech was successful in achieving its purpose. Not all speeches have the same purpose. Most speeches will make some type of argument, but they may do so for different purposes. What does it seem like Emerson Brooking is trying to accomplish by giving this speech?
A writer, or speaker accomplishes his or her purpose by relying on arguments from the Rhetorical Triangle: 1. ethos (an appeal to the writer’s credibility, fairness, and willingness to consider the viewpoint of others), 2. pathos (an appeal to the reader’s emotions and values) and 3. logos (an appeal to evidence, logic, and reasoning). Consequently, you must evaluate how well these appeals are used in order to understand a speech’s effectiveness.
The required length for this Rhetorical Analysis Essay assignment is approximately 750 words (about 2-3 pages).
You must place your thesis statement for your Rhetorical Analysis Essay at the end of your first paragraph and that thesis statement must state your claim about the overall effectiveness of the speech.
Your Rhetorical Analysis Essay must follow strong 5-paragraph organization.
It must have an introductory paragraph that ends with a thesis statement.
It must also have at least three body paragraphs, each setting forth a distinct point which supports the thesis using strong topic sentences.
It must end with a concluding paragraph which restates the thesis and reviews the supporting points.
Finally, it must have a Works Cited page, using 9thedition MLA listing a citation for the speech you watched.
Rhetorical Analysis of “Misinformation: The New Public Health Crisis” by Emerson Brooking
In his TEDxNYU talk titled “Misinformation: The New Public Health Crisis,” Emerson Brooking delivers a compelling speech that seeks to shed light on the pervasive issue of misinformation in the digital age and its detrimental impact on public health. Through a combination of ethos, pathos, and logos appeals, Brooking endeavors to raise awareness, evoke empathy, and persuade his audience to take action against the spread of falsehoods. This essay will analyze the effectiveness of Brooking’s speech in achieving its intended purpose by examining the rhetorical strategies employed and evaluating their impact on the audience.
Emerson Brooking’s primary goal in delivering the speech is to emphasize the urgency of addressing misinformation as a significant threat to public health. He aims to position himself as a credible and knowledgeable speaker on the subject, leveraging ethos to establish trust and authority with his audience. Brooking, as a resident fellow at the Digital Forensic Research Lab, brings expertise in the field of disinformation and technology, enhancing his credibility as he discusses the implications of false information on public health outcomes. By grounding his arguments in research and real-world examples, Brooking effectively utilizes ethos to bolster his persuasive efforts.
The emotional appeal, or pathos, is a crucial component of Brooking’s speech, as he seeks to engage the audience on a visceral level and evoke empathy for those affected by misinformation. Throughout his talk, Brooking employs vivid language and storytelling techniques to paint a vivid picture of the human cost of false information, highlighting cases where misinformation has led to harm or even loss of life. By tapping into the audience’s emotions and values, Brooking effectively communicates the gravity of the issue and compels listeners to empathize with the victims of misinformation. This emotional resonance serves to strengthen his argument and underscore the importance of combating falsehoods in the public sphere.
In terms of logos, Brooking relies on a data-driven approach to support his claims and reinforce the credibility of his arguments. He presents statistical evidence, case studies, and expert opinions to demonstrate the widespread impact of misinformation on public health outcomes. By appealing to logic and reason, Brooking makes a compelling case for the need to address misinformation as a pressing societal issue that requires immediate attention and collective action. Through logical reasoning and evidence-based arguments, Brooking effectively builds a strong foundation for his central thesis and persuades the audience of the critical importance of combating misinformation in the public domain.
In conclusion, Emerson Brooking’s speech “Misinformation: The New Public Health Crisis” effectively utilizes ethos, pathos, and logos appeals to convey a powerful message about the dangers of misinformation in today’s digital landscape. By establishing credibility, evoking empathy, and presenting logical arguments supported by evidence, Brooking succeeds in engaging his audience, raising awareness about the issue, and advocating for proactive measures to address the spread of falsehoods. Overall, Brooking’s rhetorical strategies contribute to the speech’s effectiveness in achieving its intended purpose of highlighting misinformation as a significant public health crisis that demands urgent attention and collective action.
Thesis Statement: The speech “Misinformation: The New Public Health Crisis” by Emerson Brooking effectively employs ethos, pathos, and logos appeals to raise awareness about the dangers of misinformation and persuade the audience to take action against this pressing societal issue.