Emotion Analysis

From observing the speeches in class, I would say the most effective use of emotion that I have seen/heard are compassion and hope. Given the context of each speech, either a single event has taken place or several events have taken place over time which the speaker declares a call for a change and/or restoring hope to the people. The speaker begins their speech by shedding light on a sad event or the troubling times to show compassion in effort that the audience will feel compassion as well. The speaker changes the tone of the speech by emphasizing a a call for change and instilling hope in the audience.

In the movie "Chariots of Fire" the speech given by Eric Liddell has an overall theme of hope and faith. He compared faith to running a competitive race. He is able to make the connection of the high and low points of running a race to the high and low points of life to the workers in the audience. In his speech he says,"It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape -- 'specially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe your dinner's burnt. Maybe, maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "believe," "have faith," in the face of life's realities?" He then goes on to say that there isn't a formula for running a race and likewise there isn't a formula for being successful in life. Everyone must run their race in his or her own way. Everyone must live their life in his or her own way. In spite of setbacks and challenges you must have faith in the Lord and finish the race. The Lord will give you the strength and fight to power on through the race. The Lord will also give you the strength and fight to power on through life no matter the challenging circumstances you may encounter. The emotion of compassion and hope are effective in this moment because the speaker is conveying to the audience that he knows of the challenges that people may be encountering in their personal lives but they must have faith in the Lord to carry on.