Persuading your Audience “Not an inch to the west! Not an inch to the east! I’ll stay here, not budging! I can and I will. If it makes you and me and the whole world stand still!” --from Dr. Suess’ “The Zax"

Audience QW: Why does audience matter? Why is it important to think about your audience when presenting/ persuading? Need to connect with your audience. Consider: Popular knowledge/ opinion Reliable/ credible sources Relevant experience Symbolism and imagery Visual aides vs. visual distractions (be purposeful!) Appeal to the eye (clarity, focus, impact)

PATHOS Do you appeal to your readers’ feelings, emotions, values, or morals? You can make your reader feel morally or emotionally invested through…… Evocative language Metaphor/ storytelling Specific descriptions Passionate delivery

LOGOS Do your opinions and reasoning seem sound? Do your conclusions logical? Your paper will seem logical and sound if you include… Reliable sources Studies & research results Stats, facts, figures, surveys Logical conclusions/inferences

ETHOS Do your readers trust you? Are your sources credible and reliable? You can build trust & credibility through… Relevant experience Use of appropriate language & avoiding bias Reliable sources Addressing counter-arguments Consulting experts Following academic conventions

Pathos, Logos or Ethos?

Pathos, Logos, or Ethos?

Pathos, Logos or Ethos?

Pathos, Logos or Ethos?

Pathos, Logos or Ethos?

Pathos, Logos or Ethos?

Pathos, Logos or Ethos?

Pathos, Logos or Ethos?

Now back to your audience Your audience will influence the types of appeals you use as a basis for your argument. Which appeals are best for…. Hostile audiences? Ambivalent audiences? Academic audiences? Audiences who already agree?