An exploration of aristotelian proofs in commencement ceremony speeches at the University of Namibia, 2004-2018: The case of Professor Lazarus Hangula
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Date
2021
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University of Namibia
Abstract
Good public speaking is an art, and in order to convince or persuade an audience, one needs to master the skills for this art of oratory. This ability is often enhanced by employing a variety of communication strategies, among them Aristotle’s proofs of persuasion (Aristotle, 1976, & Yenawine, 1997). This study explored the usage of Aristotelian proofs of persuasion in commencement ceremony speeches delivered by Professor Lazarus Hangula, the second and former Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Namibia (UNAM), from 2004 to 2018. Rhetorical ethos, pathos and logos when used in speeches effectively have been credited with profound impact of persuasion on the audience (Borg, 2004 & Yenawine, 1997). This study, thus,
explored how Aristotle’s proofs of persuasion - ethos, pathos, and logos = are used in the commencement ceremony speeches at the University of Namibia to persuade members of staff and students to be dedicated to their work.
The study is grounded on Aristotle’s Theory of Rhetoric (Aristotle, 1976), which identifies ethos, pathos, and logos as a means of persuasion. Vastly employed for the analysis of speeches, the theory examines emotion, authority, and logic, which are essential parameters for an effective speech (Borg, 2004). It also helps to determine the effectiveness of persuasion; a rhetorician should consider in discourse when addressing an audience. The study employed a qualitative document analysis research design in which five commencement ceremony speech samples by Professor Lazarus Hangula were explored. The study, in identifying and interpreting the usage of ethos, pathos and logos in the speeches using Aristotle’s theory of rhetoric, largely observes that the speeches make extensive use of the proofs of persuasion in negotiating meaning and proposals with the audience.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in English Studies