Aristotle’s Logical Appeals Persuasion in Speaking

Know what you are doing… “A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.”  Thomas Paine

Logos The Greek word for “Logical Appeal” Appeals to the intellect of the audience Speech presentations should: - be clearly defined - contain solid reasoning - utilize valid evidence

Pathos The Greek word for “Emotional Appeal” Appeals to people’s feelings of love, anger, disgust, fear, etc. We base decisions on feelings as much as emotion Often the impact of pathos is stronger than logos

Ethos The Greek word for “Ethics” Appeals to that part of us that believes in the character of the speaker. Integrity of the individual is important- reputation matters. Honesty and competence matter to the audience.

Another way to think of ethos… Ethos (Greek for 'character') refers to the trustworthiness or credibility of the writer or speaker. Ethos is often conveyed through tone and style of the message and through the way the writer or speaker refers to differing views.

continued…. It can also be affected by the writer's reputation as it exists independently from the message--his or her expertise in the field, his or her previous record or integrity, and so forth. The impact of ethos is often called the argument's 'ethical appeal' or the 'appeal from credibility.‘ Ramage, John D. and John C. Bean. Writing Arguments. 4th Ed. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 1998, 81-82.

Will Rogers

Walk behind, turn around, and look Generally speaking, people mean well. Don’t debate people you feel are being intentionally evil. Most people, no matter how deranged their position or how harmful such a position may seem to you, hold it because they believe in the truth of the position. Think of it this way- it is easy to hate a stranger but how would you respond if a loved one were to take the same position? Introspection can lead to strong positions

Where do you want to go?

Be clear, not fuzzy How many rounds have we been in when after a while we realize both sides are saying the same thing? Miscommunication about definitions can lead to wasted time and momentum. Be clear with your definitions and be sure you are clear of theirs. Don't make judgments at the beginning and don't jump to conclusions. Ask questions - especially about words regarding values and morals

Your mom

Stay focused Often, as emotions rise, it is easy to turn debate into a vendetta. The purpose of debate, arguably, is to search for truth, not to make personal attacks. Start and maintain focus on finding that truth no matter what the consequences or implications of such conclusions.

Arguing is… stupid

Debate, don’t argue You won’t win arguments, but you can win debates. Listening to your partner and your opponent is the key to winning debates. It is debaters, not cases, that win debates. Providing offense and defense, as well as framing argumentation in reasonability, claims, warrants and real-world implications are the signs of an effective debater.

Debate positions, not people Sometimes you may feel lulled into ad hominem attacks. Don't do it - even a little. Use of sarcasm and humor can be a great persuasive tool, but not at your opponent’s expense. Insulting people is a completely separate task from debating. Insults never make your point better than plain facts. It is best to stick to the issues at hand.

Stand up!

Don’t Be “That Guy” If you are entering debate to win at all costs, realize two things: 1) You won’t, and 2) You will never realize your full potential “That guy” is the one with the reputation of being unethical and untrustworthy. Debate to enlighten the world, not to plunge it in chaos. It is doing fine on it’s own.

Prove it… How would you try to persuade your parents to extend your curfew on a school night?? Give three examples each using logos, pathos and ethos. Due at the end of class.