The art of persuasion was a mainstay of Aristotle’s teachings more than 2,000 years ago. Aristotle taught three techniques of persuasion, which he called ethos, pathos, and logos. These techniques have been used by writers and speakers ever since to change the minds of others. The technique that works best depends on the audience the writer or speaker is targeting. For writers, it’s best to keep in mind that they are meeting their readers face-to-face, and that their reading audience may be widespread across the state, nation, or world. With that in mind, writers won’t always know which persuasive technique will work best, so they should use all three forms of persuasion.
Ethos, Logos, Pathos in Brief
In the art of persuasion, writers will need to use these three techniques:
- an ethical appeal (ethos) to influence readers based on their moral fiber and honesty and integrity.
- a logical device (logos) to persuade readers through the use of rational analysis and logic.
- an emotional call (pathos) to change the readers’ minds by arousing their emotions.
ETHOS, the credibility of the writer
Ethos makes use of the writer’s credibility as an expert or reputation within the community. Readers may not accept a writer’s argument if the writer has a less-than-clean reputation or if the writer is trying to discuss a topic in which he or she has absolutely no experience. If the writer is trying to start a reputation with a new audience or starting to gain a reputation as an expert in a specific field, then that writer must not only conduct himself consistently, but he must be consistent in his writing skills and have a fitness. to properly research the topics of it. If beginning writers still don’t understand their topic inside and out, then they should do their best to research all the information they can find, and study, study, study until they can sound like someone who knows what they’re talking about. about. In other words, if you’re not an expert, become one. If the writer can discuss a topic and explain it in a way that readers can easily understand, then readers will come to see the writer as an expert much more quickly.
LOGOS. the writer uses logic and reasoning
Writers convince their readers that the writers’ argument is sound, or persuade readers to change their minds, by presenting their material in a rational, chronological style. Writers’ arguments should be supported with detail, sound analysis, and verifiable evidence. Writers can strengthen their credibility by adding graphs and charts, statistics, photos, and first-hand experiences to the article they are writing. Details, analysis, and evidence, as well as graphs, charts, statistics, photos, and first-hand experience, either all together or in any combination, will help convince readers that the writers’ arguments are valid. which makes it easier for readers to agree with them. If writers can make use of metaphors, analogies, and similes, they can help their readers connect the writers’ arguments with experiences and circumstances in their own lives. When writers make these kinds of connections, they are more likely to persuade their readers.
PATHOS, the writer appeals to the emotions
Writers, of course, can always appeal to their readers’ emotions to get them to act. Stirring readers’ emotions can inflame their sensitivities or pique their interests. Through the use of certain keywords, pathos can be directed toward the readers’ goals, values, or beliefs (ie, pain, their children, threats to their community). Pathos is a means of providing readers with relief from their emotional needs. When reading a piece with emotional appeal, readers look for the writer to:
- make a personal connection with them.
- show them what actions they should take to fix the problem.
- give them advice on how to accept certain circumstances and events.
- give them the opportunity to belong to a group.
Aristotle’s methods of persuasion have stood the test of time. It is worth any writer’s time to learn and apply to their writing on a regular basis. These websites have great information on Aristotle’s methods of persuasion. For more research in this area, check them out.
California State University, Los Angeles: Ethos, Logos, Pathos: Three Ways to Persuade, by Dr. John R. Edlund
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/jgarret/3waypers.htm
Web English Teacher: Argumentation and Persuasive Writing, Lesson Plans and Teaching Resources
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/argument.html
by Juana whetzel