Classical Persuasion 5 -- Pathos/Ethos/Logos

Thinking about Pathos & Ethos as a Writing Strategy

"Doing" Pathos and Ethos: a hands-on example

Writing Strategy for Pathos and Ethos:

1. What image do you want to project of yourself in this argument? What is your investment in the issue?
2. How do you convey that you are knowledgeable about the issue?
3. Where do you acknowledge alternative points of view? Are your summaries and recognition of these views fair?
4. Which of the strategies for engaging the audience's emotions and imagination do you use: concrete language, specific examples, narratives, and connotation and metaphoric language?
5. How are your appeals to ethos and pathos tailored to your audience?

Pathos/Ethos/Logos Impromptu Speeches

Purpose Statement: to persuade the audience to adopt an attitude and/or take action, i.e. X is better than Y.

Introduction: A strong attention getter is needed here; rely on PATHOS. Also, set the framework by establishing an area of NEED for X or Y. VISUAL IMAGERY is mandatory here.

Preview: Succinctly but specifically state your claim (i.e. X is better than Y).

Body:

A. The ETHOS Argument. Establish expertise and/or credibility through support and citations.

B. The PATHOS Argument. Establish visually and creatively the emotional tangents of your position.

C. The LOGOS Argument. Establish the logic of your claim through solid reasoning powers.

Conclusion: A strong attention keeper is needed here; rely once more on PATHOS. Also be sure to summarize the highlights of your specific claim (X is better than Y).

Sample Outline: This is an outline of a sample speech, not the entire text. When you give your speech, do not say, "and our ethos argument is..." Instead, deliver your arguments as part of a fully developed impromptu speech.

Purpose Statement: to convince the audience that oranges are better than apples.

Introduction: Fresh fruit used to be considered a luxury of the highest order. We used to depend upon the immediate seasons and the surrounding neighborhood. (PATHOS: Tale of the "Sailor Scurvy") (PATHOS: Description of child with disease)

Preview: Oranges are better than apples.

Body:

A. (ETHOS) Doctors tell us that citrus fruits are the best sources of vitamin C. I have orange juice every morning and eat an orange for an afternoon snack -- I haven't had a cold in a year. My brother eats "an apple a day" and visits the doctor regularly.

B. (PATHOS) Oranges are beautiful to look at, the color of sunrises and sunsets. Oranges are succulent and delicious. Apples bruise, oranges maintain consistency.

C. (LOGOS) Oranges stay fresher longer; Oranges are cheaper; Oranges are easier to grow, can be peeled by hand, can easily be made into juice. Oranges quench thirst better and don't discolor from the air.

Conclusion: Oranges are better than apples. They are nutritious, succulent and accessible. Reflecting the joy of the sun, oranges are fruit-like symbols of hope.