Question

What relationship does james baldwin establish with his audience in the opening two paragraphs? how does he establish his ethos?

Answer 1

He is from the very beginning informal because  instead of starting the speech with let us, he uses let's. The sixth word of the speech is we so again he identies himself with the public. When he sates that he and his audience are living in a very dangerous time we can say that he is speaking frankly to his audience. The ethos in his speech is constructed in an informal way but at the same time appealing to honesty with the audience.

Answer 2

Assuming this question is referencing "A Talk to Teachers" in his first two paragraphs Baldwin assumes the role of a wise teacher and establishes the relationship of teacher to parent. His Ethos is established by making reference to historical events and sharing common opinions with his audience.