1. Personal Anecdotes: Wallace shares personal anecdotes throughout his speech, drawing from his own experiences and memories. By doing so, he creates a sense of intimacy with the audience, allowing them to relate to his perspective and experiences.
2. Emotional Language: Wallace uses evocative language that appeals to the emotions and evokes a strong emotional response from the audience. He employs words and phrases that create a sense of urgency, concern, and reflection, making the speech feel personal and impactful.
3. Empathetic Tone: Wallace adopts an empathetic tone throughout the speech, expressing a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of life. He shows compassion for the struggles faced by individuals, which resonates with the audience on a personal level and makes them feel seen and understood.
4. Vulnerable Sharing: Wallace shares vulnerable moments and insights from his own life, admitting his flaws, insecurities, and mistakes. This vulnerability builds trust and connection with the audience, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and vulnerabilities.
5. Humor: Wallace incorporates moments of humor into his speech, using irony and wit to engage the audience and make his points relatable and memorable. Humor can help ease tension and make the speech more enjoyable for the audience.
By employing these strategies, David Foster Wallace effectively uses pathos to engage the emotions of his audience, create a sense of personal connection, and emphasize the importance of mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion in everyday life.