The What…
Rhetorical Triangle.
When I first read that I had to read and write about “ethos/pathos and logos”, I thought there was a typo. I asked myself, WHAAAAT is she talking about? However, after I started reading their definitions, I began to understand that these three things are used in writing every day. This rhetorical triangle is important for creating a persuasive essay or report.
Ethos, Greek for “character”, is appeal based on the character of the speaker. The speaker or writer must gain the trust in his audience. Ethos is conveyed through the style and tone of the message also how the speaker refers to different views. People often refer to ethos as the argument’s ethical appeal or even the appeal from credibility. People are more susceptible to believe someone whom they respect. So, if the writer or speaker gains the trust of their audience, there will be a dramatically different outcome compared to if the audience did not respect the reader or writer.
Logos, Greek for “word”, refers to the internal consistency of the message trying to be given. The writer or reader must persuade the audience by reasoning with them. Logos is the foundation of a conversation or essay. Some people consider the logos to be the most important part of the triangle because without it, there will be no logical justification to anything written or spoken.
Pathos, Greek for “emotional”, may be my favorite part of the rhetorical triangle, because I love emotions! Yes, I know what you are all saying, you only like it because you are a girl and girls are emotional. You may be right there, but it is still my favorite! Pathos is used to persuade the audience by emotion. Some girls may use this technique to get their way with their husbands!! Wink, wink. The audience must not only respond emotionally, but relate with the reader or writer from their point of view and feel what they felt while they were writing it or as they speak. This makes me think of those commercials asking you to donate money for abused animals, I am sure you all know what I am referring to. They show pictures of animals looking sad, or hurt in some way. You cannot tell me those commercials don’t tug at your heart string. Well, those people were successful using pathos. Did it make you sad, feel bad, or want to help the poor animal on the television? I have to look away every time those kinds of commercials come one. The people who created the commercial made you, or at least me, have an emotional connection with their commercial and feel bad for the animals they are showing on the screen. The values, beliefs, and understandings of the writer are implicit in the story and conveyed imaginatively to the reader or viewer. Pathos has the power of how the writer’s message moves the audience.
All three parts of the rhetorical triangle are important to have a successful paper, conversation, or argument. Without even one part of the triangle the conversation, paper, or argument is doomed.
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