Rhetorical Techniques Used In Malcolm X's Speech

Malcolm X delivered a powerful speech on April 3, 1964 at the Congress of Racial Equality in Cleveland, Ohio. Black people in America came together to receive motivation to fight for equality.In this speech Malcolm X inspires black people to take a stance and fight for their civil rights. Malcolm X uses rhetorical techniques to persuade his audience to push for equality between races.
Malcolm X uses logical appeal to convince people to be accepting of the black nation.
Throughout his speech, Malcolm X uses deductive reasoning to argue that black americans have been taken advantage of. He says, “Those Honkies that just got off the boat, they're already Americans… And as long as you and I have been over here, we aren't Americans yet. He gives

He uses the appeal of pity, portraying how he himself has faced the same things his audience has, making him feel the same way. He says, “I'm not standing here speaking to you as an American, or a patriot, or a flag-saluter, or a flag-waver -- no, not I. I'm speaking as a victim of this American system.” He connects with the audience and shows them how he Americans have made him feel for years. He knows how he is looked upon, and is not afraid to say it. He speaks the words millions wish to say. Speaking out about of the American system has put him along with other down, when they are actually supposed to be treating them like Americans. He continues on to the use of imagery in his speech. He says, “I don't see any American dream; I see an American nightmare.” People usually have visualized themselves achieving the American Dream, but Malcolm X shows how for him and blacks, the American Dream is impossible to accomplish. He relates with his audience through his words, showing them how he understands what they are going through, as well as showing them that it is hard to accomplish their goals. All because of the way they are looked upon by “Americans”.
Throughout the speech, Malcolm X’s goals is to convince people that the black nation should be considered Americans, and that color should not define them as something other than that through the use of ethos, logos, and pathos. He attempts to show them that they are all the same, aside from their skin color. He brings examples of people from Europe and how just because they are the same color they are considered to be Americans, when in fact they are the actual ones who are not. He continues to give the speech in hopes to motivate the black nation to come together and unite to fight for their