V for Vendetta - V's introduction to Evey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6HbZXI9Y0&feature=related

            One of my favorite introduction speeches ever. This speech is a perfect example of how comedic irony and diction can improve one’s rhetoric. V begins with a rather dry almost sarcastic tone as he answers Evey’s question regarding who he is, grabbing the audiences’ attention (in this case I am referring to people actually watching the film). He then transitions into a proper introduction of sorts wherein he outlines his exigence completely through alliteration. This keeps the audiences’ attention focused upon what he is saying since as he modifies his tone and kairos accordingly.

            The choice to employ alliteration to such an extreme is really what gives the speech most of its rhetorical effect, in that the diction alone is able to capture and maintain the audiences’ attention quite effectively.

Jesse Jackson's 1988 Presidential Campaign Film

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IqfbdbHZ70&feature=related

            This Presidential Campaign film, although employing many rhetorical devices, I personally believe its strongest effects come from its various enthymemes. The enthymemes occur almost exclusively as short scenes involving things such as; crime, racism, violence, inspirational American landmarks and people cooperating together. It is basically implied that many of these bad things are the result of Republican rule, and the good ones potentially the end result of voting in a democrat (himself even though he is not the democratic candidate).

Mitch Hedberg Stand Up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggOdTarlYWY&feature=related

            Mitch Hedberg is very similar to Steven Wright in the style of comedy he does. Both use disjointed stream of thought one liners and short jokes. Although unlike Steven Wright, who basically relies almost completely upon kairos, Hedberg seems to create more pathos with his audience. His comedy seems more animated and personal than Wright’s, which ends up making both comedians, although similar in their material, very different.

            I believe it is Hedbergs sincerity and intonation that inevitably draw his audience in, creating pathos.

Miracle Pre-Game Speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWHUVKCT54s

            This is a fictional speech from the movie Miracle, which depicts the men’s Olympic hockey team defeating the Russians in 1980. This speech is purely inspirational, and thus draws almost solely upon pathos and ethos. Through his word choice and kairos Herb Brooks manages to evoke strong emotions in his team and fire them all up. This is further amplified by his constant referral to his audience as we, being very inclusive, and then at the crescendo putting everything on the individuals by referring to them as you.

Jim Carrey - Canada

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ic3xNfEP_o

            Jim Carrey is a living example of what physical imitation and exaggeration can do to enhance humor in one’s comedy routine. Although the imitations and exaggerated body/facial movements often border on the absurd that is likely also what makes them so effective. They aid in making the ordinary, extraordinary. Had Carrey told his Canada joke in his normal voice, with a normal demeanor it likely would not have been nearly as funny. Although, since he instead chooses to imitate a Native American when referencing the absurd situations he faces in Canada, the humor is greatly enhanced. The nature of his exaggerations seems to be focused upon bringing the absurd right to the forefront of the audiences mind through relatable motifs/characters.

Muhammad Ali - the Greatest speaks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANciqN3lydI

            Muhammad Ali is potentially one of the most charismatic sport figures of all time. Well known the world over for his many great sound bytes.  In this mash up of various speeches he has given over time it is obvious that Ali is a master of kairos. He has impeccable timing and a pace that seems to sweep up the audience.

            He relies primarily upon pathos, in that his statements as usually quite polarizing, either drawing him more support or alienating himself from his audience.