A Lesson on Rhetorical Devices: Ethos, Pathos, Logos

What is Rhetoric?  Rhetoric (n) - the art of speaking or writing effectively (Webster's Definition). –According to Aristotle, rhetoric is "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion." He described three main forms of rhetoric: Ethos, Logos, and Pathos.  In order to be a more effective writer, you must understand these three terms. You will better understand their meanings which will make your writing more persuasive.

Three Forms of Rhetoric… Whenever you read or listen to an argument, you must ask yourself, Whenever you read or listen to an argument, you must ask yourself, “Is this persuasive? And if so, to whom?” There are several ways to appeal to an audience. There are several ways to appeal to an audience.  Ethos  Logos  Pathos

Ethos (Credibility)  Ethos: the source's credibility, the speaker's/author's authority  We tend to believe people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.  Apollo Anton Ohno Apollo Anton Ohno Apollo Anton Ohno

Ethos Example:  Product: George Foreman and his Grilling Machine  Repertoire: Boxing Champ and a Preacher  Why is George Foreman credible?

Logos (Logical)  Logos: the logic used to support a claim (induction and deduction); can also be the facts and statistics used to help support the argument. –Persuading by the use of reasoning. – An effective and persuasive reason that supports your ideas.  Apple Apple

Logos Example:  Idea: Students should be allowed to use cell phones during school hours. – – – List three supporting facts and/or statistics that will support the aforementioned idea.

Pathos  This is an appeal to emotion.  Emotional appeals, are used to persuade. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument.  How? Anecdotal writing or narratives within persuasive writing

Logos Example continued… Few of our children breath fresh air in their schools, which are being sprayed, inside and out, with millions of pounds of deadly, nervous system destroying pesticides. What are the details provided in this claim?

Pathos Example:  How does this advertisement appeal to emotion? Why?

Pathos Example continued…  “America's older citizens have rightly been called the "greatest generation." It is morally unacceptable that the people that built this country -- our senior citizens -- should suffer hunger in a land of plenty, which they helped to create.”  -from America’s Second Harvest program