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Madisen Johnson
Rhetorical Analysis
English 1010- Henriksen
October 20, 2016
Rhetorical strategies are methods used in the media with the intent to persuade the
audience. There are three rhetorical strategies: having credibility, triggering the audiences
emotions and using logical appeals in order to persuade. General Patton used all three of these
strategies in his speech, preparing soldiers for World War II. Although some may argue that
rhetoric is not being used effectively in this speech, I will argue that Patton has effectively used
all three rhetorical strategies.
General Patton is able to portray credibility over the soldiers in the audience without
saying a word. He enters the stage, the backdrop being a large American flag, giving the
audience the impression that America stands behind him. He is dressed in an official uniform
garnished with medals, rings and weapons. This is proof of his achievements within the United
States Military. Not only is he credible as an individual but he speaks for the Nation when he
states, We have the finest food and equipment, the best spirit and the best men in the world (1).
This statement alone is an effective rhetorical strategy, his overwhelming use of credibility has
persuaded that audience to trust in their country, the military and the men beside them.
An emotional appeal is also a rhetorical strategy used by Patton in order to prepare these
soldiers for war. In this particular situation, anyone could imagine that there is a great deal of
emotion in the room. Men are being separated from their families, sent overseas to foreign lands
and fighting a war against an unknown enemy. Patton reassures the men by saying, Dont worry
about it. I can assure you that you will all do your duty (1). This statement appealed to the
audiences emotions of anxiety and helped them to trust in Pattons words.
The last rhetorical appeal is using logic in order to gain the audiences trust and persuade
them to agree with your points. Patton is logical when he addresses the bigger picture and talks
about how this war will affect their futures as individuals. He states, Thirty years from now
when youre sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee and he asks you what
did you do in the great World War II, you wont have to say, Well, I shoveled shit in Louisiana
(1). This gives the soldiers purpose that they are there not just for their nation, but for their
families. Allowing for future generations to grow up in the United States of America. The logic
of their actions now effecting their future lives is yet another rhetorical strategy used by Patton.
General Pattons speech was full of rhetorical the effectively persuaded the soldiers to
trust in their training and shut down enemy combatants. Credibility was most effectively used by
Pattons uniform and tone he used while addressing the soldiers. Emotional appeals were used
when he discussed his faith in them to do what is right for their Nation. Logistical appeals were

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used when Patton described how positive actions in the war would change their future lives and
families. Patton effectively used all three rhetorical strategies in this speech and accomplished
his goal of preparing soldiers for war.