Rhetorical Analysis Of Michael Irvin's Hall Of Fame Speech

On August 5, 2007 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, OH, arguably one of the greatest speeches was given from a man named Michael Irvin. This was a man on a mission all his life to be successful and he certainly was. Irvin was just as great of a person off the field as he was on it. He wanted the best in life for his family, community, and especially people who doubted themselves. His Hall of Fame speech focused not only on his career as a wide receiver, but also what he went through to be standing there. Irvin was able to overcome his own doubts and his speech uses rhetorical strategies to persuade anyone that they can get through something no matter how much they doubt themselves as well as being doubted by others.
Michael Irvin began his football

However, many more people because of it being nationally televised could see this speech. Irvin did not have his speech memorized, and also did not have any notes written down about what to say. This was a very courageous decision that he made weeks before the speech. This makes the speech even more special because of the fact that everything Irvin said was spontaneous. He was the type of person that did not enjoy the spotlight, but this speech made many people wonder why he did not speak to the media more often. Although, Irvin only had one option to deliver his message, it was undeniably the most

Irvin had the opportunity to play football with the all time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith. Smith came into the league and said to Irvin that he was going to become the all time leading rusher: “I doubted him like I think everybody would have. But what an inspiration to be in a room and see a man set a goal so high and then be persistent, be dedicated, and accomplish that which he set out to accomplish. Emmitt, you're an inspiration to so many.” (Irvin). Irvin showed that although many doubted Smith he ultimately achieved his goal. Irvin also had a personal experience that almost made him give up: “I have experienced all this game has to offer on the football field, the losing, going 3 13, even 1 15. In my second season the career threatening knee injury, thinking I would never play this game that I love again. And even in 1999, the career ending neck injury. That which football players fear the most.” (Irvin). He included this personal experience to connect better with his audience. Irvin makes his purpose clear and easy to