Analysis of The Techniques Used by Martin Luther King in I Have a Dream Speech

The creator of the I Have a Dream speech, Martin Luther King Jr., was famous for being the leader of the civil rights movement from years 1954 to 1968. Amongst his career he believed in the strategy of nonviolence, and he proposed the civil and economic rights for all his black brothers and sisters, who were emotionally touched by his speech. King fought to stop the racial and social unfairness on August 28, 1963 in Washington, D.C. King wishes to convey that one day nationwide everyone will ascent to become equal with each other and be free from any social inequality. Within his speech we look at how he impacts the audience, how his formal word choice was used, and how he created a sentimental environment, pathos, throughout his speech.

King dedicated his speech to the black community that were experiencing the social injustices and to those who share a common unity to become as one with the white society. The audience feels joy and overwhelmed by the speech King gave at the rally. King speaks with great persuasiveness towards the audience, allowing them to react with agreement remarks. Throughout his speech King does touch on how the audience has an understanding towards the subject as they have either experienced it or have heard about the protests. In addition, King uses fluent word choices and does not have unconventional language throughout his speech. He uses imagery whilst describing how one day the nation will unity and have freedom. He as well includes allusions like the Emancipation Proclamation and other famous speeches. King uses “social injustice” in his speech to point out that the blacks rights are being ignored.

King’s speech was very straightforward with what he was trying to demonstrate, but was still very impactful towards the audience. King clearly shows within his speech how confident he is convincing the audience and using the proper words to prove that. Additionally, King indeed attempts to create an emotional response from the audience by using pathos. King does not use personal stories to elaborate on his position, but rather uses his own true feelings and expressions to appeal to the audience. He manipulates the repetition of “I have a dream”, across the speech to emphasize on his literal feelings and to build aspirations for the audience. King strives to hold an emotional relationship between the audience while using pathos and creates a persuasive atmosphere for the audience to not lose hope. King did want the audience to view the inequality the way he did, as well as to view his dream the way he envisioned it, because he wanted to convince them to believe in him and to not give up.

Overall, King’s speech is credible as an argument due to his argued statements. For example, throughout the speech he argues that black people are being treated differently, they are socially unaccepted, and they are not shown civil rights. King is stating an argument through his public speaking to prove they deserve their rights by gathering together and expressing their hopes, dreams, and freedom of speech. He dominates the usage of logos and pathos to disclose the fact that segregation and racism are unacceptable to black people. Due to King’s speech our society today stands together, for instance, blacks can now go to school wherever they please, restrooms are provided for all, and they can be whatever they desire in life without much judgement. King will always be an inspiration to all, with his formal words, his appeal to the audience, and conveying his feelings towards the rights he and the whole black community deserves.