“Three Ways to Persuade” A Rhetorical Strategy

In his article “Three Ways to Persuade,” John Edlund discusses Aristotle’s ways to persuade: ethos, logos, and pathos. Ethos, Greek for ethics or ethical, describes how the character or image of the speaker is presented to the audience such as through their goodwill, authority, or expertise. Logos, which is valued over ethos and pathos, uses formal reasoning like science or rhetorical reasoning like syllogisms and enthymemes. Pathos “influences rational judgments” because they target people’s emotions, which are motivating forces. Edlund explains that the use of these appeals can be effective rhetorical techniques to persuade an audience.

Ethos: The Writer’s Character or Image What character or image appears to the audience? Goodwill, authority, expertise Writer’s ethos created by diction & style What does Edlund use to help explain ethos? Examples: advertising & celebrities

Logos: Logical Arguments Valued over speaker’s character or audience’s emotions Formal logic/scientific reasoning Syllogisms – a form of reasoning Enthymeme – type of syllogism that is assumed (can lead to faulty assumptions) Goal is to convince that assumptions are true What does Edlund use to help explain logos? Historical Example: Bubonic Plague

Pathos: The Emotions of the Audience Emotions influence rational judgements Often seen in politics and advertising What does Edlund use to help explain pathos? Historical, Political, & Social Examples

PAPA Square: Rhetorical Analysis Answering these questions helps to analyze the rhetoric (persuasive skills) a writer uses Audience: Purpose: Argument: Persona: Rhetorical Methods & Strategies: Inform, persuade, entertain Intended readers Thesis/main idea Public image/tone Ethical Appeals Emotional Appeals Logical Appeals Stylistic Devices

Let’s Practice Argument Purpose Audience Persona Rhetorical Strategies Ethos Pathos Logos