Additionally, they are influenced by the perspectives of those with credibility. The fact that Tyson presented this speech to the group of Senators was exceptionally strategic. The appeal to ethos in this case is very evident. Tyson is highly respected due to his education and life accomplishments. His well-known reputation was beneficial to gaining the support of the Senators.
Within the speech, Tyson quotes Antoine St. Exupery. Exupery was a famous author from France who also won a National Book Award in the United States. Exupery was extremely successful during his life. Using a famous figure’s words was an impressive way to open his speech. This quote grasped the attention of the Senators immediately due to the credibility of Exupery.
One more way Tyson hooked the attention of the group of Senators was by creating credibility of NASA. Since the Senators are not in favor of NASA, it was crucial for Tyson to use ethos to establish a platform of credibility. Tyson does this by exemplifying the strength and perseverance of NASA. When the country was going through “that period…of the gloomiest in U.S. history,” NASA was unstoppable (par. 3). They were inspiring the lives of citizens. They were accomplishing great measures in the exploration of space. NASA did not allow the Cold War, civil rights movements, assassinations, riots, or even the hot war to bring them down. They continued to dream and achieve despite the pessimism and hardships the country was