According to Aristotle, rhetoric is “the art of discovering ways to make truth seem more probable to an audience that isn’t completely convinced.” Aristotle created four different proofs or categories for rhetoric: rhetorical proof, logical proof, ethical proof, and emotional proof. Emotional proof, otherwise known as pathos, is essential in a speech because it can help sway the audience one way or another in the form of emotions. There are many different forms of emotional proof, including “admiration versus envy” which is when the speaker shows how “an individual has acquired life’s goods through hard work rather than mere luck” so that their admiration or self esteem will increase. This form of emotional proof is used in the film, Miracle. Herb Brooks, the coach of the US ice hockey team, delivers a speech at the end of the film right before the team plays the Soviets in the championship game. This speech brings about many emotions for the team in order to inspire them. He starts off by telling the team, “great moments are born from great opportunities” and how this team has earned to be in the championship game. Herb’s delivery builds the team’s confidence for the game. For example, when he tells the team “we are the best hockey team in the world tonight,” he is demonstrating his confidence in them. All of the built up emotions Herb has created are now ready to be released in the rink.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdmyoMe4iHM

(Start video at 1:40)