Rhetorical Techniques
Persuasive Techniques
Aristotle, from Greece
384 B.C.
Rhetorical Techniques
The Art of Persuasion
A rhetorical device uses words and ideas to convey meaning or to persuade. It can also be a technique used to evoke emotions within the reader or audience.
These techniques are used to persuade the audience.
Ethos (ethics)- Ask yourself:
Why should I trust this author or narrator?
What gives this author or narrator credibility?
Character, experience, reputation, unbiased point of view, honest tone
Logos
Appeals to logic, intelligence, citing facts or statistics
Logos (logic)- Ask yourself:
What about this argument is logical?
What about this appeals to my intelligence?
What proof is given to convince the reader?
Facts, statistics, reason, evidence
Pathos
Appeals to emotion; connecting to one’s feelings and emotions, fear, desire, anger, or sympathy
Pathos (emotion)- Ask yourself:
How does this story make me feel?
What emotions are intended?
How does the speaker ignite passion?
Emotions, feelings, empathy, sympathy
Kairos
Appeals to time; opportune time, builds urgency
Kairos (time)- Ask yourself:
How does the writer appeal to the time period?
How is this relevant to what is happening in the world?
How is the author speaking to the concerns of the audience?
The right place and the right time, urgency
Let’s Review!
Ethos: Appeals to your ethics, shows the author is ethical. The author has trust/credibility.
Logos: Logical appeal, proves argument using logic.
Pathos: Emotional Appeal, convinces you using your emotions.
Kairos: Timeliness, appeals to the urgency of the situation.