Patch Adams Speech Critique

Patch Adams Speech Critique

Patch Adams is determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people. Unfortunately, the medical and scientific community does not appreciate his methods of healing the sick, while the actual patients, medical professors, and hospital nurses all appreciate the work he can do, because they are unable to do it.

In the opening argument of his speech, Patch seems extremely confident. As he addresses the medical board, he's informing them every patient he helps is in need of some form of mental or physical help. Patch explanation for helping others is "Is not a doctor someone who helps someone else". In the speech Patch is overly confident as if he knows or believes that nothing he's doing is wrong. He's posture, standing tall, expressing his feelings and compassion through the movement of his hands. While giving his speech, Patch kept his composure. On the verge of being dismissed from medical school, he didn't react in a negative. He didn't seem angry, no disruptive behavior or foul language.

Throughout the speech Patch tone of voice changed on many equations. In the beginning, he wasn't showing much emotion. When Patch turns to the crowd he says "Don't let them anesthetize you. Don't let them numb you out the miracle of life". You can see the emotion on Patch's face, as he address the crowd his body language change, his voice become louder, his eyes widen, as though he's unstoppable. The audience embraces Patch words, nonverbal communication between him and his fellow peers. As the children, the parents and nurses, wear the red foam rubber ball on their nose, which Patch wears while playing with children, without them saying a word, their showing communication to Patch through their actions.

Indifference, a word choice Patch uses in his speech. Indifference is the lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. "If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference". Patch refers this to doctors caring more about the problem rather than the person itself. The purpose of a doctor is not only to treat but to preserve the quality of life.

In conclusion, the overall speech Patch delivered definitely supported his argument. His communication with the audience, poise, and tone all played a valuable role. I believe based from his speech, Patch actually cares and loves his patients. He defined being a doctor more than just healing them or finding a cure, it's more about getting to know the patient for who they are. "I'll probably still be viewed as a thorn, but I promise you one thing, I am a thorn that will not go away". This quote symbolized what Patch stood for. Even though Patch always stood out, was different from the other students, he never changed. He stood his grounds no matter