This speech, although short, incorporates all the rhetorical pillars necessary for a great speech. Erwin’s use of ethos is central to its effectiveness. Although he is the commander, he brings himself to the soldiers’ level and makes them understand that he is dealing with fear as well. He also makes it known that he will be marching alongside them to the death, which strengthens his credibility (Aristotle, trans. Kennedy, 2007). Pathos dominates the speech. His validation of his soldiers’ terrors and his weaponization of memory to invoke action toward his goal is spectacular (Aristotle, trans. Kennedy, 2007). His use of logos is subtle but effective—particularly when he reasons with them and explains that if death is inevitable, it is better to choose a meaningful death (Aristotle, trans. Kennedy, 2007).

The rhetorical devices most evident in this speech are anaphora and antithesis. Through anaphora, his repeated use of “my soldiers” makes his audience feel they are part of a collective. Antithesis appears when he argues that it is better to die a meaningful death than a meaningless one that advances no cause. Structurally, the speech is masterful. It begins with a validation of the horrible situation they face, moves into a philosophical reflection that resonated deeply with me, and ends with a call to action.

Erwin’s posture is firm and commanding. His use of pace is remarkable: he starts slowly with a low-pitched voice to emphasize the seriousness of the moment, then increases the pace to deliver his urgent call to action. This demonstrates the level of leadership Erwin embodies and how disciplined he is as a commander.

The immediate impact was significant—it led the soldiers to charge to their deaths. The speech succeeded in achieving its goal: to motivate the soldiers and attempt the impossible. Its cultural impact has also been considerable. This speech resonated with many viewers, and when people think of the best speeches ever given in television history, Erwin’s charge is arguably among them.

Erwin Smith is a fictional character from Attack on Titan, one of the most popular anime series of the past decade. He serves as the commander of the Survey Corps, an elite military unit tasked with protecting humanity against the Titans—giant humanoid creatures that threaten human extinction. Erwin is renowned for his strategic genius, exceptional leadership, and willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater cause.

To give context, this speech is delivered in a moment of terror and crisis. Erwin and his unit find themselves trapped with nowhere to go, and with death looming on the horizon, he as their commander must rise to the occasion. While fear and panic spread through the unit, Erwin devises a plan—but he needs his soldiers to commit to it willingly. His plan requires them to serve as a decoy to distract the Beast Titan, one of the most powerful enemies they have faced, so that Levi, humanity's strongest soldier, can take it down. This leads Erwin to deliver his final speech.