Speech by Lou Gherig in 1939. Lou Gherig was diagnosed with ALS (affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord/muscle movement) and is unable to continue his career as a professional baseball player. He gives this speech to more than 62,000 fans at his last game. Pay attention to the point Lou Gherig is trying to make. Remember a claim is something that can be defended and is his thought/opinion. He is no longer able to play baseball (a career he was very good at), but he does not seem to show anger/resentment. Instead, how does he respond? Why? Take notes over Claim:

Claim- a statement that is two-sided/more than one position. It must be something that is compelling, debatable, and defensible.

How does an author support a claim?

Cite evidence

Link to data

Analyze counterclaims

Include examples

Make emotional appeals

Rhetorical Devices:

Hyperbole-over exaggeration
Repetition-repeat word or phrase
Imagery-create mental pictures (can use similes and metaphors)
Rhetorical question- not meant to be answered

Types of persuasive techniques:

Appeal to reason-appealing to the mind/logic
Appeal to authority-expert supports idea
Appeal to emotion-appeals to the emotions
Plain folk- sounds like an everyday American like us
Bandwagon-everyone supports the idea, so you should too
Testimonial-famous person supports idea

Answer in complete sentences.

1.) What is the clam?

2.) How does he support the claim?

3.) How does Lou Gherig view the New York Giants?