Question

What is one way to appeal the ethos?

Answer 1

Hint: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are modes of persuasion used to convince audiences. They are also referred to as the three artistic proofs (Aristotle coined the terms), and are all represented by Greek words. It is also called the ‘Rhetorical Appeals’.

Complete answer:
The Rhetorical Appeals are also called as Modes of Persuasion. They are strategies of pursuing that classify the speaker’s appeal to the audience. It has three components;
1. Ethos – It is the appeal that is made to the authorities. It can be done in the following ways:
- By being a notable figure in the field of the issue (for e.g. professor, executive etc.)
- By demonstrating your expertise or mastery in the field
- By producing bona fides or by some other established authorities.

2. Pathos – It is the appeal made to the emotions of the audience. English terms like pathetic, sympathy, empathy etc. are derived from this Greek word. Pathos is a very powerful tool if used properly. When we talk about emotions in Pathos, it refers to all kinds of emotions including fear, imagination, hope etc.

3. Logos – It is the appeal made through logic or simulations. The term logic itself is derived from this mode of persuasion. Logos are beneficial, as having a logo improves the quality of one’s ethos. It makes the speaker look more knowledgeable and prepared for the situation.

Note:
- These strategies are used in speeches, newspaper articles, marketing and political thoughts.
- These appeals are often used to complement each other and hence persuade the audience better.
- In present context ethos has a literal meaning of ‘characters’ which are peculiar to specific persons, or communities.