Says, "I am happy to join you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration of freedom in the history of our nation" (King, par. 1). Without any distractions, he immediately becomes an integral part, leader of his audience. With this short statement, he lifts the spirit of each listener by recognizing the limitless importance of the moment and allowing each person to understand their own great contribution. King's ethos - the authority of his character - immediately grows as he proceeds and cites historical events, significant to his listeners. He generously applies metaphors and similes highlighting events from the past. For example, he says, "this momentous decree came as a great beacon of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been burned in the flames of devastating injustice" (King, par. 2). These words demonstrate that he is aware of both the exact chronicle of events and the role they play in everyone's life