How to Criticize a Speech Using the Neo-Aristotelian Approach

Academic disciplines use a number of theories to critique speeches. One of the oldest among these is the neo-Aristotelian theory, which uses Aristotle's idea that a speech should appeal to the audience's sense of logic, emotion and morals to determine the effectiveness of the speech. Criticizing a speech isn't always a negative act. When you criticize, you argue that the speaker either achieved his goal or didn't achieve his goal.

Instructions

    • 1

      Describe the speaker, the situation to or for which he is speaking, the audience and the purpose of the speech. For example, you might critique the president as he speaks to the Senate about health care and tries to persuade them to pass a bill.

    • 2

      Discuss how the rhetor, the person giving the speech, appeals to the audience's logic, emotions and morals, or logos, pathos and ethos, respectively. Include examples from the speech of each.

    • 3

      Examine how effectively the rhetor appealed to the audience's logos, pathos and ethos. For example, you might say that the rhetor appealed strongly to the audience's sense of emotion and ethics, but barely discussed the logic behind the argument. Give examples from the speech.

    • 4

      Discuss other elements of the speech that take away or add to its effectiveness. For example, you can discuss the rhetor's tone of voice, the location of the event or the types of words the rhetor used. Argue that these either made the speech more effective or decreased the effectiveness of the speech. Give examples from the speech.

    • 5

      Conclude by saying whether the rhetor met his goal or not. Defend this argument with evidence you discussed earlier in your criticism.

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