Final answer:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. effectively used emotional appeal, ethical credibility, and logical arguments in his 'I Have a Dream' speech, along with evocative refrains and biblical allusions, to persuade his audience and advocate for civil rights. The speech's historical context and strategic timing added to its urgency and impact. King's techniques helped shape the nation's view on civil rights and propelled the movement forward.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. utilized various effective argument techniques in his 'I Have a Dream' speech to realize his purpose of advocating for civil rights and equality. Employing a strong emotional appeal, or pathos, he connected with his audience's shared experiences and aspirations, particularly with the compelling repeated refrain of 'I Have a Dream.' This refrain, as well as his references to historical American values and the unjust experiences of African Americans, helped to drive the message of his speech home. King also used ethos, by citing the legitimacy of the American dream and other well-respected sources, to establish his credibility. Moreover, his use of logos, or logical argument, grounded his plea for equality in the undeniable truths of freedom and justice.
The location and timing of the speech were also critical. Delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, a symbol of freedom, King evoked Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and its promises of liberation. It underscored the continued struggle for civil rights 100 years later. Additionally, the March on Washington was held on the anniversary of Emmett Till's tragic death, adding a layer of urgency to his demands for change.
The rhetorical devices King employed, including allusions, metaphors, and a sermon-like deliverance tapping into the prophetic rhetoric of the time, were pivotal. These elements helped King articulate a vision that was both an indictment of the current state of racial injustice and a hopeful depiction of a more equitable and united future.