A Rhetorical Analysis Of Kevin Breel's Tedtalk

In 2013, Kevin Breel created a TedTalk that reached nearly five million views titled “Confessions of a depressed comic.” In this video, Breel, a 19-year-old, focuses on mental health by describing his thoughts about committing suicide. In high school, he was living fighting his demons, but no one would know because he was seen flourishing, living life to the fullest, and playing basketball. In his motivational TedTalk, Breel explains, “Real depression isn't being sad when something in your life goes wrong. Real depression is being sad when everything in your life is going right” (Breel 1:34). This TedTalk is used to bring attention to depression and make it a discussion for all. Addressing the problem will then help to begin a change in the

It is a touchy subject when talking about all things surrounding mental illness. It has not been discussed broadly enough to speak directly about it. Moreover, that is what one can appreciate about Breel asserting this conversation. Breel is open and honest about his depression as he pulls the audience into his compelling argument. Viewers can appreciate his style choices here when he is direct. When Breel says, “I was suicidal, and if you were to look at my life on the surface, you wouldn’t see a kid who was suicidal” (Breel 3:10), he says it in a way that one can view as harsh or one can see this being direct and honest. Being open about his own experiences dealing with mental illness, more specifically depression, helps to create credibility to speak on this

Kevin Breel wanted to break down this barrier when he gave his speech about his experiences with depression and suicide. Breel remains open and honest about his feelings toward how society reacts to openness about mental health issues. While doing so, he makes his point with the use of pathos. In his appeals, he remains forthright in his means of communication. To demonstrate his desire to bring attention to mental health, he does not just share his story but also draws in support for depression. Throughout Breel’s TedTalk, he can be heard asking for attention for mental health. He validates the feelings that some may feel, the reason they are not seeking help. It all leads back to “...the stigma inside of others, it's the shame, it's the embarrassment, it's the disapproving look on a friend's face, it's the whispers in the hallway that you're weak, it's the comments that you're crazy” (Breel 5:25). Yet he will go on to say that while depression is okay, being sick is okay, that depression is a part of life, but that society is not allowing those who are sick to get the help that they need, and that is what is not okay. Breel encourages the audience to be the ones to speak out and to allow the solution to start with them. In the tone of voice, Breel uses a great appeal to pathos because he uses a sense of urgency. He allowed the audience to understand his pain and invited them to open