Understanding the Ability to Persuade

Aristotle: Greek philosopher B.C.E. Aristotle said rhetoric is “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion”(Aristotle qtd. in Shea, et.al. 1). 1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion (“rhetoric”).

“Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans….” (Gehrig qtd. in Shea, et. al.). Lou Gehrig's Speech on YoutubeLou Gehrig's Speech on Youtube In order to view the link, you need to view this PPT as a slide show, from current slide, above.

WWhat are some of the effective aspects of this speech? CContext TThe occasion or the time and place it was written or spoken PPurpose GGoal that the speaker or writer wants to achieve

GGehrig has a crystal clear idea: HHe’s the “luckiest man on earth.” HHis thesis or assertion is a clear and focused statement. FFurther, Gehrig knows his subject: BBaseball in general aand TThe Yankees in particular

“A plain spoken, positive appreciation for what he has had and a champion’s courageous acceptance of the challenges that lie before him”(Shea et. al.).

Speaker (or writer or director) Audience (or reader or viewer)Subject

 Must:  Choose a subject  Evaluate what they already know about it  What others have said about it, and  What kind of evidence or proof will sufficiently develop their position

Ethos Logos Pathos

Ethos “Character” Credible Trustworthy

Ethos Imagine a speech discouraging children from using alcohol. How could a speaker appeal to ethos?

Ethos Appeals to ethos often emphasize shared values between the speaker and the audience.

 In some cases, a speaker’s reputation immediately establishes ethos.  Can you think of an example of a speaker who would automatically have ethos?

 Expertise  Knowledge  Experience  Training  Sincerity

 “Embodied Thought” REASON  Writers appeal to logos by offering clear, rational ideas 1. Thesis 2. Specific details  Examples  Facts  Data  Expert testimony

 What is his thesis?  That he is “the luckiest man of the face of the earth.”  What are his supporting points?  Seventeen years of playing baseball  Belief in the kindness and encouragement of his fans Good people Sterling team Blessing of a supportive family

Counterargument  Anticipate objections Or  Opposing views  Concede or agree  Refute or deny

By conceding and refuting, you actually strengthen your argument; it appeals to logos by demonstrating that you considered your argument carefully.

 “Emotion”

 “greatest”  “wonderful”  “grand”  “honored”  “blessing”

 Vivid concrete description  Figurative language