Introduction
A famous writer, Neil Gaiman, gave an inspiring speech, Make Good Art, to graduating students
of the University of the Arts in 2012. Gaiman gave this speech to young graduates to share some
words of advice and motivation as these young gentlemen and ladies set out to chase their dream
artistry. He stresses points like tenacity, trained thinking and learning how to work with what one
has in the toughest of situations. In this regard, Gaiman makes Use of philosophical and ethical
appeals, as well as an ironic distant tone, shocking for most of the spectators, and presupposes
the usage of creative and perceptive language and stylistic devices to address the question of
creativity and the audience's potential endeavours.
Analysis of Ethos
Since Neil Gaiman is a famous author of many highly-acclaimed works, including "American
Gods" and "Coraline, " the graduating audience takes his words of advice seriously because of
the author's expertise in writing. Thus, Gaiman can tell jokes and share stories based on his own
life experience and stories from his professional life, so the audience would know that the person
on the stage went through some fears and hesitations as well. For example, he narrates having
dropped out of school early to write and gain education through experience (Gaiman 00:15).
Gaiman's assertion of turning down well-paid jobs that he did not consider to be meaningful
affirms him to the audience. It makes him more believable (Gaiman 04:22).
Analysis of Pathos
Thus, the appeal to emotions is made through the Use of humour, stimulating great and
inspirational stories and an understanding tone in the Make Good Art speech by Neil Gaiman.
His practical advice of making good art even in the most ridiculous circumstances, for example,
when his cat has exploded, brings about some humour while at the same time promoting the
element of perseverance (Gaiman 10:49). In Gaiman's video, there are feelings of motivation and
hope because of his opposing inspirational story of his career and his struggles (Gaiman 07:09).
Recognising their apprehensions and doubts about the future, he sets up a rapport which informs
the students that it is okay to face difficulties. These elements are in synergy to make an
emotional appeal to him and his target audience, persuading them to stick to their creative
journey.
Analysis of Logos
Neil Gaiman's presentation of rational comprehension and the constituent elements of his
argumentation in "Make Good Art" speech is coherent and rationalistic, which includes offering
definite step-by-step directions for prospective artists. He stresses the willingness to make art
even in the darkest conditions is admirable (Gaiman 10:52). These arguments can be explained
by what Gaiman has to say, for instance, when he attempts to explain how he learnt how to write
by taking any work that was offered to him as a writer (Gaiman 00:36). About his career he
enjoyed such metaphors as the climbing of a mountain, which highlights the necessity to remain
on the right track and do not deviate from the planned trajectory (Gaiman 04:01). These logical
points enrich the audience's view and provide concrete suggestions to manage their creative
endeavours.
Analysis of Rhetorical Devices
I will define and explain different elements of appeals that are present in Neil Gaiman's "Make
Good Art" speech. Repetition is noticeable. To stress the phrase no matter what one is going
through, one should make good art, he repeats it (Gaiman 10:52). Gaiman also uses disruptions,
including the metaphor of a mountain climb to describe the career of the artist, to demonstrate
the challenges artists face (Gaiman 04:01). Repetition, as used in the phrases, interesting
mistakes, amazing mistakes, glorious and fantastic mistakes, further extends the rhythm of his
speech (Gaiman 19:31). Use of such devices retains and keeps Gaiman's speech vivid.
Strengths of the Speech
SPEECH ANALYSIS The kind of speech that Neil Gaiman delivered was the "Make Good Art"
speech, and it performed well based on the rhetorical strategies it provided. He has credibility
because he is a well-known author of books; he creatively uses pathos, as the essence of his
speech is elaborated through humour and timely appeal to the audience's empathy. Logical
proofs give practical counsel, and the figure of speech, such as paths, metaphors, similes, and
parallelisms, make the speech louder. In this case, ethos, pathos, logos and rhetorical features
blend well to give a forcible and durable address that elicits compliance with the creativity and
persistence of the audience. That is why Gaiman effectively combines a powerful message with
stories from his own life, making it quite easy for people to listen to him.
Weaknesses of the Speech
Nevertheless, there are a few aspects concerning Gaiman's rhetorical approach which can be
considered potentially questionable or not quite effective in addressing all the concerned
audience members. Particularly, his sense of humour can be considered rather weak; he uses it,
focusing mainly on the darker side of a joke, and that's why not many people can find humour in
his words, which can lead to a complete rejection of him by the audience. Also, his choice of
jobs might be perceived as unwise by some people, and therefore, this aspect may be viewed as
his weakness.
Conclusion
Thus, analysing the "Make Good Art" speech, Neil Gaiman pursues the aim of encouraging
people and motivating them by using appropriate methods of rhetoric. It becomes possible to
state that his speech appeals to credibility, emotion, pathos, and logos; numerous rhetorical
devices are employed. That is why listeners are fond of Gaiman's stories and practical tips that
inspire them to continue creating in spite of difficulties. Of course, some moments may seem
rather unattractive. However, the overall message of such a speech is rather caring and profound,
which can create an impression, attract people's attention to the main idea of the speech, and
make the listeners concentrate on the value of persistence and creativity in the worst scenarios.
Gaiman's words remain inspiring to the many artists and creative personnel aspiring to be great
in the future.
