The Art of Persuasion: Ethos, Pathos & Logos

Briefing the Rhetorics Of Persuasion

The term persuasion refers to the act involving any kind of approach towards a strong appeal to ensure something is done a specific way. As discussed in the subjects of communication as well persuasive communication has this core purpose to get the readers, listeners, or audience in any sort to favor the idea sustained by the presenter. The words that best define persuasion in its hard and soft formats are to be able to convince or force someone to do something with their own intellect involving within.

Now after having a sketch of the central idea around which this entire written piece is subjected to revolve we next step on how thinkers and philosophers have had their idea of reference in respect to the art of persuasion, its need, and rhetorics if involved. Let’s get to the example of the eminent greek ideologist Aristotle who justifiably even today secures a celebrated position in the dimensions of history. Aristotle introduced the world of the modes of persuasion popularly known as Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Ethos:- Coming from a greek thinker evidently this word carries meaning in its native language which is ethic or ethical. Ethics, ethical or unethical are the terms used to describe the behavioral trait which is acceptable or not under certain defined circumstances. So, Ethos also known as the “Appeal to authority” is used to define the persuasive approach by a person with the use of their means of Power, Authority, or Credibility. Let’s simplify this in the context of communication. So, when a speaker reflects his/her powers and authority in the set of words he/she chooses while establishing communication when Ethos comes to play. Ethos has a significant noticeable impact on the audience as it influences listeners’ moods. An appropriately dressed, educated, well-mannered, aware of industry jargon, knowledgeable, confident person designated at a position of gravity is certain to be able to approach the audience compared to someone with good communication skills.

Example:- Being a cardiologist, I firmly believe that it is unhealthy for you to consume fine flour any further.

Here, without clearly ordering just by highlighting the “ Being a Cardiologist” thing an authority is established which is expected to edge the words of the speaker over any other person.

Pathos:- Pathos refers to the “Appeal to emotion”. In general, words persuading the audience with some kind of emotional reaction is Pathos. A speaker who well understands the emotional functioning of the kind of audience he/she is dealing with reverts to it with a suitable emotion of calculated intensity. Engagement in a conversation is birthed out of emotions. Even formal conversations have much to do with the emotional stimuli that eventually brought the talkers to the same table. Emotions are a powerful tool for motivating the audience and diverting their influence. It’s the anger, hate, love, joy, agony, etc; which can effectively strategize the persuasion of an audience and switch their stance to poles different ideas in seconds.

Example:- It’s the love for nature and innocent creatures existing in this ecological system that we should conduct the annual environment summit.

Logos:- Logos is the “ Appeal to reason or Logic”. If a speaker or author is relying on logos, they are typically reciting facts or providing data and statistics that support their argument. The strength of a speaker is determined via an important factor which is confidence and the key to confidence is ultimately how well people carry their knowledge. Unless we have strong facts to support our argument we lose gravity. Therefore it definitely adds to the influence one is capable to create on the audience and how well and with how strong facts we can back our words and actions which is in the art of persuasion.

Example:- As the data chip market over the past few years has grown massively by 90%, we should invest in it.

Power of Persuasion a tool to the opening of Magic! You can act, sway, write, love, and do everything without being the center of doubt with just a little approach towards the approach and your secret ingredient to this always remains the magical spell Ethos…Pathos…..Legos!✨