Haggard's true self

Alvin
October 7 2009
Ms. Kim
English 10-2

Ted Haggard is a Evangelical pastor who admits in his speech that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a 20-year-old male volunteer. In his speech, he is trying to convince his audience that his actions were beyond his control by using rhetorical techniques. Haggard is basically just telling and finalizing the issue with an honest answer with his speech.

Haggard uses some pathos in his speech, he states, " the incident was ' an indicator of the compulsive behaviour' that ruled him at the time"(Haggard, 1) Clearly, Haggard is attempting to gain pity from his audience by convincing them that he had absolutely no control over himself during the incident and it was an act that he did not intend. He also puts more Pathos into effect, Haggard states," I think I'm still deeply wounded and scarred and somewhat confused,"(Haggard, 1). Again, Haggard is trying to gain pity from his audience, he is telling the audience that he believes that his actions were absolutely wrong by stating that he was negatively affected by his actions.

Yes, i believe Haggard is being absolutely credible in his speech, he is admitting to something no man can easily do- tell the world he did in fact have sexual relations with a man. He specifically states that he really did have sex with a man, and also builds on his credibility by stating that he decided to undergo therapy, believing that he has done something very wrong, and is willing to fix it.