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…

Ethos Logos Pathos

Pathos

Logos

Ethos

The Power of PersuasionWhen 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

EthosBefore 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?

PathosPathos 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) Ethosb) Logosc) Pathosd) None

A) ETHOS

2: "What goes up, must come down"a) Ethosb) Logosc) Pathosd) None

B) LOGOS

3: "If you love me, you'd want to make me happy"a) Ethosb) Logosc) Pathosd) None

C)PATHOS