Dreams and Emotions

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is centered on the exploration of emotional appeal, or ‘Pathos,’ within Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. Students are prompted to engage with the speech by listening to or watching it, and then identifying specific instances where King uses pathos to connect with his audience. The task involves active listening and analysis, as the students must discern which parts of the speech are aimed at stirring the listeners’ emotions. The final question prompts students to reflect on the purpose behind King’s use of emotional appeal in his speech.

The worksheet’s objective is to teach students about the use of pathos in rhetoric and public speaking. It encourages students to recognize how emotional appeals can be strategically used to enhance a message and inspire an audience. Through this exercise, students learn to appreciate the power of words in evoking feelings and empathy, which is a key aspect of persuasive communication. This understanding not only aids in their comprehension of historical speeches but also equips them with tools for their own presentations and writings.