Recognizing Aristotelian Rhetorical Techniques in Malcolm X’s The Ballot or the Bullet Speech

Recognizing Aristotelian Rhetorical Techniques in Malcolm X’s The Ballot or the Bullet Speech

Since the tenants of rhetorical technique were first outlined by Aristotle, effective orators have adhered to the logical, emotional and credible appeals in order to communicate and persuade their audiences.  In his 1964 speech “The Ballot or the Bullet,” Malcolm X uses the fundamental rhetorical techniques of ethos, pathos, and logos in order to persuade black Americans to exercise their right to vote, spend their money proactively, consider supporting Black Nationalism, and take personal responsibility for their place within society.

            The rhetorical appeal of ethos permeates Malcolm X’s famous speech. Tracing this concept back to its Aristotelian origins we find that it is based upon the credibility of the speaker and of the argument. Character, ethics, and standing are employed to add efficiency and weight to a communication. You would give more credence to golf swing instruction from Jack Nicklaus than from Adam Sandler. Jack Nicklaus won 18 career major tournaments while Adam Sandler merely played a comedic role portraying a golfer.

            Another example that lends credibility to the speaker is found early in the speech. Malcolm X wants to distance himself from the religious dogma that he feels taints the message. He says, “I’m still a Muslim; my religion is still Islam. That’s my personal belief” (X). By disassociating himself from any religious labeling in relation to the message he builds credibility by conveying to his audience the sense that the struggle is not his struggle, but a collective one that transcends religious affiliations.  

            Malcolm X uses the rhetorical technique of pathos in order to evoke an emotional response from his audience. There is no greater catalyst for action. Credibility may convince an audience that your appeal is reasonable; emotion will propel you to real action. Malcolm X is not simple wishing to enlist mere agreement, he wants black citizens to go out and vote. One of the most profound emotive techniques is to suggest to your audience that they have been deceived. Malcolm X performs this masterfully. He claims that it was the Negro vote that resulted in the current administration. “They get all the Negro vote, and after they get it, the Negro gets nothing in return” (X). The effect is that the audience is left feeling that they have been duped, that they have fallen for a ruse; subtle, yet a ruse all the same.

            The logical appeal (logos) is also evident within Malcolm's speech. The persistent theme that permeates the argument is that Black Nationalism is the solution to the disparity experienced by the marginalized black audience. X lays out the case in a careful manner in order to provide justification for the methodology that many felt was overtly subversive. He says, “Whenever you're going after something that belongs to you, anyone who's depriving you of the right to have it is a criminal” (X). By justifying this position in a way that is reasonable, Malcolm X is effective at alleviating their resistance to direct activism. He also adds weight to this line of reasoning by enlisting legal precedent. “And this was pointed out by the Supreme Court decision. It outlawed segregation” (X). The audience can assume that their cause is just if an institution as powerful as the Supreme Court has ruled as such. He has carefully enlisted the rhetorical appeal of logos in order to effectively persuade his audience to exercise their voting rights with more thought, spend their money proactively within their own communities and choose the political path of Black Nationalism.

            For those in attendance as Malcolm X gave this important speech, the message was powerful. It was effective at persuading them to action by a strict adherence to the fundamental rhetorical appeals of pathos, logos, and ethos. Great communicators enlist all of these techniques in order to create the greatest effect. This is something that Malcolm X does well. Ultimately, his life was taken by a well-planned assassination conspiracy originating within the Nation of Islam organization. His communication lives on through the enduring legacy of his effective appeals in many speeches like The Bullet or the Ballot.

Works Cited

X, Malcom. "The Ballot or the Bullet." The Ballot or the Bullet. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2016.   <http://xroads.virginia.edu/~public/civilrights/a0146.html>.