A Lesson on Rhetorical Devices: Ethos, Pathos, Logos English 10

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… Logos Ethos Logos Pathos Pathos Ethos

The Power of Persuasion When trying to persuade someone to see things your way, there are 3 ways to appeal to them: Ethos: credibility, or character, of the speaker Pathos: emotional connection to the audience Logos: logical argument

Ethos Before you can convince an audience to accept anything you say, they have to accept you as credible. There are many aspects to building your credibility: Does the audience respect you? Does the audience believe you are of good character? Does the audience believe you are generally trustworthy? Does the audience believe you are an authority on this speech topic? Keep in mind that it isn’t enough for you to know that you are a credible source. (This isn’t about your confidence, experience, or expertise.) Your audience must know this. Ethos is your level of credibility as perceived by your audience.

Ethos Example: Product? Credibility?

Automatic Ethos? Sometimes a speaker’s title or status brings ethos to the rhetorical situation. Consider President Bush’s address to the nation after the 9/11 attacks. Why would we listen to him in this situation?

Pathos Pathos is the quality of a persuasive presentation which appeals to the emotions of the audience. Do your words evoke feelings of … love? … sympathy? … fear? Do your visuals evoke feelings of compassion? … envy? Does your characterization of the competition evoke feelings of hate? contempt? Emotional connection can be created in many ways by a speaker, most notably by stories. The goal of a story, anecdote, analogy, simile, or metaphor is often to link an aspect of our primary message with a triggered emotional response from the audience.

Pathos Example

Logos Logos is synonymous with a logical argument. Does your message make sense? Is your message based on facts, statistics, and evidence? Will your call-to-action lead to the desired outcome that you promise?

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.

The Power of Persuasion a simple explanation

1: "The Surgeon General warns smoking can adversely affect your health" a) Ethos b) Logos c) Pathos d) None A) ETHOS

2: "What goes up, must come down" a) Ethos b) Logos c) Pathos d) None

3: "If you love me, you'd want to make me happy" a) Ethos b) Logos c) Pathos d) None