Modes of Persuasion Ethos Pathos and Logos Persuasive

Persuasive Appeal • To ask for aid, support, mercy, sympathy, or the like •

Mode 1: Ethos • Ethos- the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs

Ethos Continued • Ethos is the Greek word for “character. ” The word “ethic”

Ethos Continued • Ask yourself, as the reader… • Does the writer seem trustworthy?

Mode 2: Pathos • Pathos-a quality that causes people to feel sympathy and sadness.

Pathos Continued • Pathos is the Greek word for both “suffering” and “experience. ”

Pathos Continued • Ask yourself, as the reader… • Does the writer appeal to

Mode 3: Logos • Logos- the rational principle that governs and develops the universe;

Logos Continued • Logos is the Greek word for “word, ” however, the true

Logos Continued • Ask yourself, as the reader… • What claim is the author

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Modes of Persuasion Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Persuasive Appeal • To ask for aid, support, mercy, sympathy, or the like • To make an earnest request • Your appeal is HOW you are persuading your audience • 3 Appeals: Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Mode 1: Ethos • Ethos- the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution. • Establishes the writer as fair, open-minded, honest, trustworthy, credible, and knowledgeable about the subject matter. • Example: I understand that you feel all the players play to do their best, but Michael performs at his best daily.

Ethos Continued • Ethos is the Greek word for “character. ” The word “ethic” is derived from ethos. • Ethos can be developed by: • choosing language that is appropriate for the audience and topic making yourself sound fair or unbiased • introducing your expertise or pedigree • by using correct/proper grammar, vocabulary, and syntax

Ethos Continued • Ask yourself, as the reader… • Does the writer seem trustworthy? • Does the writer seem knowledgeable and reasonable? • What comparisons does the writer make to other people, places, or events within the text to establish authority?

Mode 2: Pathos • Pathos-a quality that causes people to feel sympathy and sadness. • Emotional Appeals Include: • Diction and imagery to create a bond with the reader in a human way • Appeals to idealism, beauty, humor, nostalgia, or pity (emotions) in a balanced way • Example: Based on Michael’s background of growing up in hardship, it is amazing that he is able to play this well.

Pathos Continued • Pathos is the Greek word for both “suffering” and “experience. ” The words empathy and pathetic are derived from pathos. • Pathos can be developed by: • • • using meaningful language emotional tone emotion evoking examples stories of emotional events implied meanings

Pathos Continued • Ask yourself, as the reader… • Does the writer appeal to your emotions—feelings of sadness, pride, fear, being young, anger, patriotism, love, justice? • How does the writer/text try to establish a relationship or common ground with the reader? • What circumstances can we as an audience relate to?

Mode 3: Logos • Logos- the rational principle that governs and develops the universe; the strategic use of logic, claims, and evidence to convince the audience of a certain point • Logical Appeals Include: • Strong, clear claims • Clear reasons for claims • Strong evidence(facts, statistics, personal experience, expert authority, interviews, observations, anecdotes) • Example: Michael is the best basketball player because he scores the most points in a game.

Logos Continued • Logos is the Greek word for “word, ” however, the true definition goes beyond that. The word “logic” is derived from logos. • Logos can be developed by: • using advanced, theoretical or abstract language • citing facts (very important) • constructing logical arguments.

Logos Continued • Ask yourself, as the reader… • What claim is the author arguing? Is the claim relevant/valid for today? • Does the writer jump to conclusions or have logical fallacies? • What points does he or she offer to support this idea?