Communication is essential to everyday life. Therefore, rhetoric is essential to everyday life. We use rhetoric to make decisions, solve problems, and discuss issues. If we pay attention, we will be able to understand and analyze information that is presented to us.
Recently I was afforded the opportunity to attend the 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Banquet. Dr. King was an extraordinary man. He fought for equality and justice, and held his head high during times of adversity. Dr. King was a man who was able to use his voice to speak for those who suffered from prejudice and inequality. It is a commonplace in American discourse that all men are created equal, yet African Americans were treated as second-class citizens. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized this and was able to initiate social change through the power of words. At the banquet, we were able to reflect upon Dr. King’s teachings and listen to some of his speeches. Dr. King clearly understood the meaning of delivery, the importance of tone, and how to connect to the audience. Because of this, he was able to leave a legacy that still lives today.
Throughout the night many awards were accepted and speeches were given. The speeches were delivered with clarity and poise. Each speaker had his own style and was able to convey his message effectively. However, although all of the speeches were unique and insightful, the speech given by Dr. Vernis Welmon stood out among all the others. His speech captured the attention of the audience, drew upon our emotions, and he conversed rather than preached. Dr. Welmon stressed the importance of community. He spoke about the ideology we share as members of the African American community and how we still embrace Dr. King’s teachings to this day. As I listened to Dr. Welmon, I was able to feel his passion, energy, and excitement about various issues. He was able to connect with his audience, and that is what made his message so powerful.
Attending the Memorial Banquet brought about a feeling of strength and a sense of community. By recalling what Dr. King stood for and remembering his achievements, I was overwhelmed with a sense of duty to give back to the community. At the banquet many were honored for their roles in helping others. With each speech, each dance, and each commemoration, I was able to feel part of a community that understood the importance of tradition, respect, and love. Attending this banquet made me proud of Dr. King’s work and honored to be a member of a community that listens to Dr. King’s messages to this day.
Recently I was afforded the opportunity to attend the 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Banquet. Dr. King was an extraordinary man. He fought for equality and justice, and held his head high during times of adversity. Dr. King was a man who was able to use his voice to speak for those who suffered from prejudice and inequality. It is a commonplace in American discourse that all men are created equal, yet African Americans were treated as second-class citizens. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized this and was able to initiate social change through the power of words. At the banquet, we were able to reflect upon Dr. King’s teachings and listen to some of his speeches. Dr. King clearly understood the meaning of delivery, the importance of tone, and how to connect to the audience. Because of this, he was able to leave a legacy that still lives today.
Throughout the night many awards were accepted and speeches were given. The speeches were delivered with clarity and poise. Each speaker had his own style and was able to convey his message effectively. However, although all of the speeches were unique and insightful, the speech given by Dr. Vernis Welmon stood out among all the others. His speech captured the attention of the audience, drew upon our emotions, and he conversed rather than preached. Dr. Welmon stressed the importance of community. He spoke about the ideology we share as members of the African American community and how we still embrace Dr. King’s teachings to this day. As I listened to Dr. Welmon, I was able to feel his passion, energy, and excitement about various issues. He was able to connect with his audience, and that is what made his message so powerful.
Attending the Memorial Banquet brought about a feeling of strength and a sense of community. By recalling what Dr. King stood for and remembering his achievements, I was overwhelmed with a sense of duty to give back to the community. At the banquet many were honored for their roles in helping others. With each speech, each dance, and each commemoration, I was able to feel part of a community that understood the importance of tradition, respect, and love. Attending this banquet made me proud of Dr. King’s work and honored to be a member of a community that listens to Dr. King’s messages to this day.
I think occasions such as the MLK banquet always bring out motivation and inspiration for those in the audience. And because the topic at hand was one of both emotional and social importance, the use of pathos in the room was probably off the charts. I think memorial services are some of the best places to be inspired and charged with new dreams and goals. The speakers are always fully convicted and passionate about what they're talking about. I can't imagine how wonderful it must have been to hear Dr. Welmon speak about his passions for the African American community. Thanks for sharing!
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