Braveheart Persuasive Speech

Braveheart is an epic film from 1995. It tells the story of the true events of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who led his country in the first war of Scottish independence from England. Though the film has been remarked as inaccurate, William Wallace is not a fictional character. Throughout the film William motivates his conspirators and army men with wise sayings that eventually inspire them to act to culminate in these heroics. In this persuasive speech, Wallace speaks in a style that intends to move his audience to action, and as a result of his speech, he was able to rally the troops to fight.

Early in the speech, the ethos is established. Prior to this scene in the movie, most had never seen Wallace before and when he states his name to the crowd, he establishes his credibility. He proves he is the great warrior everyone thought he was and is able to make a speech to convince them to fight against all odds. Wallace’s response to the soldiers also adds onto his ethos, proving that he is no coward, and that he is a man of faith. He believes that despite the significant difference in ranks they still have a chance.

The logos appeal is made with very simple, obvious logic during his speech. He tells the audience that if they choose to not fight and run away, there will be no meaning or point in their

Wallace tells the audience what might happen if they fight, as well as what truthfully might happen if they don’t fight and choose to run away. They would live, but not for long. The two options contrast each other, they can either fight or run though both show essentially the same ending, death. A passion is sparked in the choice presented; die fighting for something of great importance and meaning, or run away and dying later for something lacking in the same sort of importance. This last emotional appeal stirs up the audience to cheer and move into battle in a unified