In this paper, you are to criticize a speech using the Neo-Aristotelian concepts. Find a speech that interests you; speeches are available in anthologies, online from a variety of sources (see AmericanRhetoric.com) reprinted in newspapers and on the Internet. Do NOT critique a fictional speech (like a speech from a movie).

Please note: The focus here is on public speeches delivered by speakers to a live or televised audience. Short Youtube clips, speeches in movies, editorial articles, press releases, and book chapters are NOT considered public speeches.

Some considerations in writing the paper:

1) Critique the speech using concepts from our discussions of Neo-Aristotelian methodology. This should include a short treatment of context (situation, speaker, audience, constraints), then analysis of the speech itself using three key canon elements (style, ethos, logos, pathos, delivery, memory, arrangement), ending with an assessment of the effects or effectiveness of the speech. See the Classical Criticism Worksheet is you need a layout of the key elements.

2) At the end of the Context section, develop a Thesis Statement (or Research Question) as an italicized single sentence that will focus your analysis of the three key canon elements and clarify argument about the Effect of the speech. put it at the end of the context section. Italicize this!

3) Make titles of main points as arguments (something you claim about the speech/speaker), and support those points with good reasons and quoted examples from the speech, not just assertions. Analyze not just what was done in the speech, but how it was done, perhaps why it was done, and whether or not it was effective. Assess ways of improving the speech as a way of criticizing choices that the rhetormade.