Because arguing is art form… Rhetorical Devices Because arguing is art form…

What is rhetoric? The art of persuasive speaking or writing Rhetorical Triangle The art of persuasive speaking or writing Aristotle, Greece 4th Century BC

ETHOS - CHARACTER An appeal to authority & credibility Ethos is a means of convincing an audience of the reliable character or credibility of the speaker/writer or argument Choose language that is appropriate for the audience and topic (also including a proper level of vocabulary), focus on sounding fair or unbiased, introduce your expertise or pedigree, and use correct grammar and syntax. “As a doctor, I can say, with utmost certainty, that this product improve your health.”

PATHOS - SUFFERING An appeal to emotions Way of creating a persuasive argument by evoking an emotional response in audience Appeal to hopes, dreams, fears, worries, beliefs, ideals At best, pathos will draw pity, inspire anger, provoke action Pathos can be developed by using meaningful language, emotional tone, emotion-evoking examples, stories of emotional events, and implied meanings. “If you don’t buy this life insurance, you are letting your family down!”

LOGOS - REASON An appeal to logic or reason Persuade an audience by logical thought, fact, or rationality If you can prove with sound reason, audience is more likely to be persuaded Cite facts, statistics, certain authorities on a subject, and historical and literal analogies. “It is a fact that smoking causes cancer; therefore, if you do not want cancer– do not smoke.”

Example http://www.stlcc.edu/Student_Resources/Academic_Resources/Writing_Resources/Writing _Handouts/pathos%2C_logos%2C_%26_ethos_.pdf