Introduction
The Fall Forward Commencement Address by Denzel Washington is an impactful speech that offers graduates much knowledge and encouragement. He uses his experiences to motivate the audience to face problems and keep going forward while highlighting the value of failure and tenacity (S, 2020). Washington used ethos, pathos, and logos, among other rhetorical devices, to sway his audience.
His ethos is demonstrated by his accomplished profession and the knowledge he acquired through life experiences. His passionate delivery and anecdotes that inspire empathy, motivation, and inspiration illustrate his use of emotional appeals or pathos. Washington also uses logical arguments, or logos, by offering helpful suggestions and compelling examples of how to solve challenges.
Rhetorical Analysis
Pathos
Denzel Washington employs pathos at the outset of his speech to engage the audience emotionally. He begins by sharing a personal narrative about a point in his life when he worked as a garbage collector and how that experience taught him a valuable lesson about perseverance (S, 2020). By telling this narrative, Washington develops credibility with the audience and fosters empathy because many people can connect to struggling in their own lives. This use of pathos builds up the remainder of the speech, which aims to inspire the audience to persevere in the face of difficulty.
Ethos
Washington establishes his credibility and reliability as a speaker through ethos. He has excelled as an actor and public figure through dedication and determination. To convince the audience that he is qualified to advise on how to succeed, he relates his personal experiences and accomplishments. For instance, he asserts, “I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest talents this industry has ever known,” which shows his credibility in the entertainment sector (S, 2020). Using ethos, Washington gains the audience’s trust and persuades them to accept his message.
Logos
Washington offers helpful guidance on succeeding in the latter half of his speech using logos. He provides specific illustrations of going forward, such as using failure as a springboard for progress and learning from mistakes (S, 2020). Washington persuades the audience that his advice is sound and practical by employing logical reasoning and precise examples. The audience is given practical advice on how to succeed in their own lives through this practical usage of logos.
Conclusion
Denzel Washington’s Fall Forward Commencement Address challenges the graduating class to embrace failure and use it as a stepping stone to success. It is an uplifting and thought-provoking address. He strongly emphasizes the value of effort, tenacity, and resolve in attaining one’s objectives. Washington delivers his message with force and sincerity, using humor and analogies to make his point.
In contrast to Steve Jobs’ well-known speech, Washington’s talk focuses more on the character traits and mindset required for success than on a particular job or sector. While Washington’s message is more inclusive and applicable to many facets of life, Jobs’ address focused on the value of following one’s passions and finding fulfillment in one’s profession. However, the two talks share the idea of accepting failure and using it as a basis for development. The overall theme of Washington’s speech will be felt by anyone going through difficult times in their personal or professional lives. It deserves to be included in the list of outstanding commencement addresses and other noteworthy addresses made by well-known figures.
Reference
S, P. (2020). Denzel Washington’s famous Fall forward speech (full transcript). The Singju Post. Web.