Week 2: Class Discussion Q 1

When picking a public speaker that admire I went with Dr. Oz and the reason for this is because he has great persuasion over his audience. I believe that tho he speaks through logos, his logic, I mainly see him as speaking and captivating his audience through pathos, his ability to capture peoples emotions. Of course as being a doctor Dr. Oz needs to speak with logic and reason, I mean he is talking about peoples health, diet, mind and so on but he uses his ability to get people emotionally involved in his topics to get them to believe in what he is saying and that they need to do as he says. From my own personal insight on this, my brother works at a natural foods store and if Dr. Oz talks about a product that people need to use or that is great for your health, well that same day his store out of the product and they cant keep it on the shelve for the next few weeks. To me that is power of persuasion. I believe that because he uses logos and pathos in his talking to the audience, he is able to get them to believe in what he talks about and makes them take an interest. Of course he does throw in his own personal character, ethos, but I don't personally believe that's what captivates his audience, but that's my own opinion.

As for me, I speak from the heart and I think that's my great ability to win people over. I use pathos when I speak whether it is with my passion for what I am talking about, own personal beliefs or experiences or just knowing that people want to see that emotion you have to make them really feel as though you care. Of course I use logos as well because at the same time I want to know what it is I am trying to persuade people to do and make them see valid points. At the same time I can adjust to my situation and surroundings. Just because I normally speak from the heart, I can also use my personal character to show people I am trust worthy as well as being able to use my logic to back me up. It does depend on the situation I am in but all in all I do lean more towards pathos.  I do believe that Aristotle's classification Scheme works but not everyone fits into just one category. I believe that speakers can tap into the multiple categories at any given time and to fit any situation.

Introductory Post

Hello ~ I would like to start off by saying this is the first online course I have taken and it has been about 5 years since I have taken a college class. I went to sac state starting in 2003 - 2006 and took some time off, now I'm back. I am working on a communications degree and wanting to transfer back to sac state in a year. I have taken many communication classes in the past and really enjoy them and I am looking forward to this one, but I do have to say I am a little nervous taking it online. The reason for taking it online is because I have a son, who just turned one yesterday Aug 23rd, and he is full of energy and excitement. Again I am looking forward to the class and getting to know everyone.