Emotional Appeals

The speakers that I have seen that I found to be most credible, used the emotional appeals of fear and sadness. These speakers later went on to explain how this fear and sadness was or was not turned around and if it was not, how the situation could be different. These speakers are often people who have been through hard life experiences and are looking to help those in their previous situation. This type of speaker is most credible to me, since they have personal experience with the subject at hand and are living proof of the existence of a problem that has happened and does happen. Speakers that I have seen with this appeal, often provide several other examples that give their topic credibility. For example, when a man from Uganda came to campus to speak about the issue of warfare in his country and its effect on it's children, he provided his personal story, as well as a video that detailed and documented the vivid and terrible life that many people of Uganda must lead. He stood in front of us, and we saw the emotion in his true story. His presence and moving story enlightened the audience and left us feeling as if we should do something to help the people just like him. He used some humor and upbeat comments, to show the audience the hope in the life of darkness that he lived. This addition of a light mood is essential in showing the audience that this person is just like you and I, and that this person is also able to laugh and overlook hardship to appreciate life despite the circumstances. When some speakers talk of an experience that is immensely depressing, the topic turns from one that offers insight, to one that overwhelms and leaves the audience feeling upset and helpless. Have you ever been to a talk that did not motivate or enlighten you, but instead left you feeling depressed and overwhelmed?