Persuasive speaking Have out a piece of paper for note taking!

First…what do you know about the art of persuasion? Write a definition for persuasion. What are some techniques people use to persuade others? Share your definition and response to #2 with your table.

What is persuasive speaking? Persuasion is the act of encouraging someone to take an action, accept an idea, or spend his or her money. Persuasive speakers choose one "side,” and do not sway from that viewpoint. A persuasive speaker must convince the audience that there is a problem, and get the audience to agree with the solution proposed. Speakers use evidence to assist in persuading the audience with credible and relevant information. Speakers need to prepare to defend themselves against oppositional ideas.

Aristotle’s persuasive appeals Greek philosopher, Aristotle, is credited as one of the most important founding figures in western philosophy. Aristotle explained that persuasion can be accomplished using 3 techniques: 1. Logos- the appeal to reason and logic. 2. Pathos- the appeal to emotion. 3. Ethos- the appeal to a person’s character, morals, and ethics.

Logos Appeal When using this appeal to persuade an audience, the speaker is appealing to their logical side. Key Concepts for Logos Appeal: Practical Good judgment Common sense Example: “You need to buy this car because it is a safe car for your family.”

Pathos Appeal Persuasive speakers use the Pathos Appeal to persuade their audience by “tugging” at their emotions. Key Concepts for Pathos Appeal: Love Anger Happiness Sadness Example: “You need to buy this car because it is good for the planet.”

Ethos Appeal When using this appeal to persuade an audience, the speaker is using their ethics as a “selling point.” Key Concepts for Ethos Appeal: Good reputation Positive morals and values Respectable character Example: “You need to buy this car from me, because I am the most honest salesman in town.”

With a partner, come up with a response to each situation using Aristotle’s 3 Appeals: 1.) You need to sell ice to an Eskimo. 2.) You want to go to a party that your parents don’t want you to go to. 3.) You want your teacher to excuse a tardy.

Watch this video on advertising techniques… http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson- plans/video/persuasive-techniques-advertising-1166.html Aristotle’s Appeals in advertising: As you watch the following commercial playlist, create a 3-column chart labeling the following: Commercial product/Appeal used/ Effect on the audience https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUt_PBZQzj_D7w PfnSX-m9Ho1pfcq_CgG

Looking at your chart, how do advertisers use Aristotle’s appeals to help persuade consumers to buy a product, believe in a cause, or change his/her mind on a topic? In what ways have you seen politicians use Aristotle’s appeals to garner votes? How can political ads be most effective? How can they become dangerous? Overall, do persuasive techniques work on voters, or does it come down to the content of what the candidate says? In “real-life,” how do we use persuasive techniques to get others to agree with us?