The Politics of Persuasion Logos, Pathos and Ethos in Media and Literature

Looking for Persuasive Strategies Everyone is trying to convince you of something – Commercials – Advertisements – How you get your parents to give you something or allow you to do something Quickwrite: What techniques do people use to persuade an audience? Think about a time you persuaded someone to do/think something and tell me about it. Then, fill in the following chart.

TechniqueExamplePersuasive Term (to be filled out later)

What is Rhetoric? Rhetoric is the way we use words in __________ways to achieve a desired ________. Rhetorical strategies are different methods of persuading an _________. They can be divided into three major categories: logos, __________, and ethos.

Logos (L is for Logic) Logos = Logic Logos means appealing to the audience through the use of ________ or __________. The author attempts to persuade the audience by appealing to their ________. Ex. If we do not reduce our green house gas emissions by 35% the polar ice caps will melt.

Logos (L is for Logic) Logos = Logic Logos means appealing to the audience through the use of ___logic___ or ____reason_____. The author attempts to persuade the audience by appealing to their brains. Ex. If we do not reduce our green house gas emissions by 35% the polar ice caps will melt.

MethodDefinitionExample Allusion Mentioning someone/something from history, _________ or religion; usually the reference is to something with which most audiences would be familiar. Michael Jackson was as significant to the development of music as Elvis Presley or The Beatles. Analogy A comparison that show similarities between otherwise _________ facts or ideas (often an exaggeration). The effects of the polar ice caps melting would be more catastrophic than having another world war. Comparison Contrast Illustrating the ____________ or differences between two things. There are significantly more gun-related deaths in the US, where the right to bear arms is protected, than in England, where guns are strictly outlawed. Facts & FiguresStatements that can be proven ______; some facts are in the form of statistics, or numerical information. Of the garbage produced each year in the U.S., 42% is paper.

Pathos (P is for Pathetic) Pathos = Pathetic (sad) Pathos means appealing to the audience’s __________. The author uses these strategies to get to the audience’s ________. Ex. As you sit there chowing down on your cheeseburger and fries, children in Africa die every day from starvation. What will you do about it?

Pathos (P is for Pathetic) Pathos = Pathetic (sad) Pathos means appealing to the audience’s ___emotions___. The author uses these strategies to get to the audience’s hearts. Ex. As you sit there chowing down on your cheeseburger and fries, children in Africa die every day from starvation. What will you do about it?

MethodDefinitionExample Anecdote A short ________ used as an example to illustrate a point The people from the town of Maplewood began recycling and were able to lower their taxes and become happier citizens. Loaded Words Words that have extremely positive or negative ______________. You would have to be a social delinquent not to care about the environment. Personal Experience An example from ____________ that illustrates your main point When I first began recycling in my home, I noticed that nearly half of my garbage could actually be recycled. Repetition Repeating a phrase or sentence for ____________ (The idea is that your audience will get the phrase stuck in their heads!) We must change the way we act. We must change the way we think. We must change the way we live. Rhetorical Question A question asked for impact, not because an ____________ is expected. How can we stand by and do nothing as our environment collapses?

What is Connotation? Connotation refers to the positive and negative __feelings__ that we have/associate with words. Ex. Young adult  positive, formal connotation teenager  neutral connotation punk  negative, casual connotation

Ethos (E is for Ethical) Ethos = Ethical (trust) Ethos means appealing to the audience’s sense of __________. Part of this involves the author convincing the audience that he/she is worthy of __________ and is an authority on the topic. The audience needs to believe the author knows _______________________! Ex: Just like Martin Luther King Jr. once had a dream, I too have a dream for this country.

Ethos (E is for Ethical) Ethos = Ethical (trust) Ethos means appealing to the audience’s sense of right and wrong. Part of this involves the author convincing the audience that he/she is worthy of ___trust____ and is an authority on the topic. The audience needs to believe the author knows ___what she’s talking about___! Ex: Just like Martin Luther King Jr. once had a dream, I too have a dream for this country.

MethodDefinitionExample Call to Action A statement made inviting the audience to _________; this change can be in mind or can involve physical action So let each of us today make a personal vow to start recycling. Expert Opinions Statements made by a recognized ___________ on a subject. According to the Platt Institute for Local Self-Reliance, recycling actually costs less than traditional trash collection and disposal. Quotations Using someone else’s __________________ as evidence Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the word.” Rebutting a Counterargument _________________ an argument made by someone with the opposite point of view While some argue that recycling is an added burden in our already busy lives, recycling should really be seen as a way of ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same quality of life that we do today.

Now It’s Your Turn Look at the following pictures. In a 3 column chart write down the following. – What you see/feel – What persuasive technique is being used – Is it effective?

See/FeelPersuasive Technique Effective?

What Worked? Underneath your chart answer the following question. Be sure to use the terminology in your notes as well as evidence from your own life and from the class discussion. – Which of these posters was the most eye- catching? Which was the most convincing? Why?

Next Steps – With a Partner/Group Now, take a look at Martin Luther King’s speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” given the night before he was assassinated. Analyze his speech in order to identify what techniques he is using to get his main message across. Fill in the provided chart for MLK’s speech using specific details/quotes from the text. Remember to look for in-depth analysis of what is being done and why (its effect).

Additional Resources Use these only if time permits or you want to shake it up a bit!

Next Steps – With a Partner/Group Now, take a look at Creon’s speech to his city after taking the throne and passing his decree that Polyneices should be left to rot. Analyze his speech in order to identify what techniques he is using to get his main message across. Fill in the same chart you did for the ads for Creon’s speech using specific details/quotes from the text. Complete the chart in your notebook.