Reflection on Bush's 9/11 Speech 9.16.2016

George Bush gives a speech after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Although some may say that his speech was not effective, one can support the point that it was. The purpose of George Bush's speech is to encourage the people of the United States to stay strong and have hope. In his address, he uses ethos, pathos, and logos. However, these three rhetorical techniques are not used equally; pathos is used the most for Bush's speech. For example he says "Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorists acts." This is pathos because he is making the audience feel emotionally upset due to being threatened of their freedom. Bush continues to use pathos by using words that would trigger the emotions of the audience such as "disbelief," "sadness," "evil," and many more. By using pathos, Bush connects with the people and shows his sorrow for the those who have lost their lives. At the end of the speech, Bush uses logos by saying "A great people has been moved to defend a great nation." In other words, the United States is a great country, and in order for there to be a great country, there must be great people. Bush is trying to get the audience to understand that they are strong and that they can get through hard times together. Through the use of ethos, pathos, and logos, George Bush's speech is effective.