Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNaOtmOkQ-U
Main Objective
Individuals should avoid texting while driving because it is not only dangerous, but also life threatening. The speech was aimed at explaining to the audience on the need for avoiding this activity because it also risks the lives of other people on the road. Texting and driving is a global epidemic that needs to be addressed because it is the leading cause of deaths on the road ( Sturnquist, 2006 ). The problem has been brought about by the revolution of the modernized world into a technologically advanced domain. The speech therefore elaborates on the role of mobile phones in causing accidents and deaths on the road.
Intended Audience
The speech was addressed to the general public, particularly those individuals who are fond of using mobile phones while driving. The speaker mentioned the consequences of texting while driving with reference to the driving population. She was also keen on addressing the effects of a catastrophic incidence on the friends and family members. Since deaths from such an incidence affect the entire nation to some extent, the speaker intended to reach out to individuals within communities and states. I could tell that she was addressing the general public because she made her arguments on a wider scale by using national facts and state data.
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Major Points
Data from the National Safety Council shows that about 1.6 million accidents while driving are attributed to cell phone use, particularly texting ( Teigen, 2014 ). This accounts for 28% of all the traffic accidents that occur per year. The numbers are constantly increasing as a result of the increase in cellphone use. By January 2014, 90% of adults in the US owned phones. Distraction. gov has pointed out to the fact that 23% of all the road accidents involve drivers in their 20s because they text more regularly. Texting and driving is not only illegal, but it also increases the likelihood of getting involved in an accident ( Cooper, Yager & Chrysler, 2011 ). The government has implemented bans on the use of cell phones while driving as a means of keeping its citizens safe. As at 2016, 46 states had banned the act of texting while driving.
Modes of Persuasion
Ethos
The speaker used concrete and specific examples as a means of displaying her knowledge to the audience. This shows that she was a knowledgeable and reliable source regarding the topic of discussion. She makes her claims based on unbiased sources and her language is respectful especially to those who do not agree with the presented facts. She mentions the fact that some people claim they can multitask and as such, they are not a danger to themselves or others on the road. The speaker clearly asserts that the brain in this case, will not pay full attention to driving because a new activity will be taking place. It will therefore switch between the activities for a few seconds, which is long enough for an accident to occur.
Pathos
The speaker uses vivid and substantial language to tell the story of a female victim as a means of appealing to the emotions of the audience. By focusing on the detailed account of how the girl was tragically killed in a road accident as a result of texting while driving, the speaker is able to reach out to the public on an emotional level. This example is backed up by disturbing facts and statistics about the gravity of the situation. She asserts that most accidents occur as a result of texting while driving by using negative language when describing the irresponsibility of such an action.
Logos
The speaker makes a logical appeal to the audience by backing up the arguments using facts, statistics and real examples. Recent research and findings were used as a means of proving that the consequences of texting while driving are severe. She sourced her evidence from organizations and agencies such as the National Safety Council and distraction.gov. Moreover, the arguments are made by comparing the increasing trends of road accidents as a result of texting.
Strengths
The speaker based all her arguments on real facts and statistics from credible sources. Her coverage of the topic was comprehensive because it covered a historical comparison of how the situation is worsening over the years. The reality of her speech could be seen in the example and the data she provided.
Weaknesses
The author was not confident in the way she presented some of her arguments. She was not assertive and exhibited signs of nervousness at some point during the speech. The arguments were not backed up by her actual experience or association with a person who got involved with the accident. Her lack of concentration in some instances made the arguments to be seen as personal opinions towards the topic.
Persuasiveness of the Speech
The speech was persuasive because the speaker used relevant data to back up her arguments. In particular, the example of the girl she gave was very touching and emotional and it served as a real example of the effects of texting while driving.
Vocal Variety
At some point in the speech, the speaker used an emotional tone, particularly when she was talking about the consequences of texting while driving. She used a moderate pitch with a sorrowful tone when she covered the story of the girl who was involved in a road accident as a result of texting her mom.
References
Cooper, J., Yager, C., & Chrysler, S. T. (2011). An investigation of the effects of reading and writing text-based messages while driving (No. SWUTC/11/476660-00024-1).
Sturnquist, D. M. (2006). Mobile phones and driving . New York: Novinka Books.
Teigen, A. (2014). Texting while driving could spell D-A-N-G-E-R . Denver, Colo: National Conference of State Legislatures.
