Slide 1

The Art ofRhetoric:

Learning How to Use the Three Styles of Persuasion

Rhetoric (n) - the art of speaking or writingeffectively.

According to Aristotle, rhetoric is "the ability to see the available means of persuasion." He described three main forms of rhetoric:Ethos, Logos, and Pathos.

In order to be a more effective writer, you mustunderstand these three terms:(pay attention tothe colors)Ethos

Ethos is persuading your audience based onyour own character and reputation.

Example: Commercials that try to sell a product using famous actors and models as their spokespeople.

Example from The Odyssey:Eurymachus and the suitors are afraid when Odysseus reveals himself: You took my house to plunder As they all took this in, sickly green fear pulled at their entrails

deltacomAssociation

Logos

Logos is persuading your audience by usingcool logic and rational explanation as well asdemonstrable evidence.

Example:Advertisements that try to sell a product byoffering evidence of its quality.

Example from The Odyssey :Odysseus proving who he is to Penelope by describing how he created their bedroom, a fact which no one would have known.