Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Discussion Post: Week 2: Al Gore Video

The rhetorical situation that Al Gore speaks about is global warming. Mr. Gore his speech by citing that scientists agree with the theory of global warming and he gives examples of what is happening around the world due to climate change such as the ice caps melting. He addresses a group of young people and he entices their interest of his speech by comparing them to young people that helped foster equal rights in the early 60's. Mr. Gore also reminds his young audience that things that seem impossible, definitely are possible  by reminding them of President Kennedy's promise to the country that we would land on the moon, and we did. At this point in the speech the audience is enticed, excited and motivated to get something done about global warming.

I think that his speech is very effective, even if someone does not believe in climate change or global warming. He compares his audience to the young people of the civil rights movement, so they feel like they can make a difference. Then he goes on to tell the audience that our country went to the moon in a very short amount of time. This made the audience feel like they can do something that can change the world in a short amount of time.

7 comments:

  1. Being able to relate to the audience by comparisons and motivate them is a sign of an effective leader. Al gore is an old person yet he communicates with a younger generation. By showing how young people have changed the world by standing for what they believe in is powerful. Anyone who knows the importance of civic engagement believes in making this world a better place. Al gore used this fact as tool in his rhetorical speech to persuade them to act. He also emphasized a sense of doom to express the urgency in his message.

    ReplyDelete
  2. He does make good points about the effect people are having on the world and the way he emphasizes the fear and urgency behind his message is a very effective way to get people's attention. I hope he succeeds in helping to clean up the world soon but it won't happen unless other people will back him up. So here's hoping his predictions can be haulted.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The issue of global warming is a very serious threat and I feel Gore's zealous efforts to bring attention to it are very necessary and very well done. It is rather hard to believe that we as mere humans can so greatly defile the world but the rising oceans and melting polar ice caps can't be ignored. If we don't want the world to end by-way of a massive flood or burning alive because we've destroyed the ozone and have no protection from the sun then people need to wake up and pay attention to the message Gore is spreading. The sense of fear and urgency he employs is perfect for the purpose of relaying the message too so I have to give him credit for his ability to speak publicly.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mr. Gore is a very gifted speaker. He takes a subject that probably wouldn’t interest a room full of middle schoolers and connects with nearly all of them in room without fail. As you said, comparing the students in attendance to the young generation that brought about the Equal Rights Movement instills a sense of pride in the students as they feel they can make a change as well.
    He is also very animated when he speaks and has emotion flowing through his words so you never stop paying attention or become disinterested in him or what he’s saying the entire time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Al Gore, speaking of the global warming issues has gotten my attention. Gore can get his point across and makes his speech very compelling and that we people need to step up and take care of the Earth. I feel Gore, is an effective leader that makes valid points about that we need to be aware how we are damaging the Earth and what we can do to slow down the process. I think about what he says about global warming and look back at the horrible weather that this country has had in the past years. I feel that every year is gets worse and I am scared what the next day may bring to us.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I agree that Al Gore is a good speaker, very motivating but it will take more then moving word to get this country to actually pay attention to Mother Earth. Maybe if he went to a beach and started picking up trash in front of the camera for an example. Just like everybody that wants to save the planet, you have to join the efforts together to make a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  7. To speak about what is going on is one thing. Putting into action what is being spoken of means more.
    Al Gore is indeed a gifted speaker and yes the motivation to make a change to save our world is imperative. I am sure everyone is and should be concerned with global warming. This is not a phenomenon where one individual can make a different. This is a catastrophe which effect each and every nation, the only way this situation is going to be put to rest is through the combined effort of all nations to not only address this phenomenon but to implement any and all means available in putting an end to the on slaughter of our planet and the destruction of its ozone layers.

    ReplyDelete