Professor Patrick Barton's speech class covered three main forms of rhetoric: ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos involves establishing credibility, pathos appeals to emotion, and logos uses logical reasoning. The professor also discussed basic tools for effective public speaking: research skills, organization skills, and presentation skills like style, repetition, descriptive language, visual aids, delivery, and practice. Mastering speech skills allows one to create positive change and take advantage of the important freedom of speech in America.

1. Speech & Change
Class with Professor Patrick Barton – September 16, 2011
Speech is a powerful force in our society and can make a significant change in the world around us.
Professor Patrick Barton first defined three main forms of rhetoric –
Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal – We tend to believe people whom we respect. The speaker
tries to impress the listeners that he is someone worth listening to, he tries to show himself as an
authority on the subject, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.
Pathos (Emotional) – The speaker tries to persuade the listeners by appealing to their emotions.
Emotional appeals are used to persuade. Language choice affects the audience's emotional
response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument.
Logos (Logical) – This means persuading by the use of reasoning. Aristotle's favorite speaking
technique used deductive and inductive reasoning. The speaker gives persuasive reasons to back up
his claims. Giving reasons is the heart of argumentation, and cannot be emphasized enough.
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If you are involved in community groups and called upon to give a speech or lead a meeting you need
three basic tools or skills: Research Skills, Organization Skills, and Presentation Skills.
Since class time was short, the rest of the class related to Presentation Skills.
Style – Speech must be at an appropriate level for your audience.
Repetition – Present a point and then recall it a few minutes later.
Alliteration – This refers to the repetition of a particular sound in the first syllables of a series of
words and/or phrases. Examples: Bouncing Baby Boy, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Beatle Bailey.
These repeated sounds make them easier to remember.
Metaphoric Language – Give a simple example of how two things that are not alike in most ways
are similar in one important way.
Descriptive Language – Use word pictures rather than literal pictures to describe your point.
Example: say “beautiful glistening lake rather than showing a picture of a lake.
Visual Aids – Keep them simple and big enough for everyone to see. Practice using them before the
actual speech.
Delivery – Use the proper voice volume and inflection.
Practice – You must practice your speech to know how long it runs. Practice until you know it….have
only limited notes on one note card. Try it on a practice audience to get feedback on things that may
be improved.
Remember that Freedom of Speech is a powerful weapon and is one of our most prized
freedoms in the United States of America.
If you are interested in improving your speaking skills, take Professor Barton’s class – Speech 1315.
Phone 281-290-3473 Email: Patrick.s.barton@lonestar.edu