Rhetorical Triangle
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Ethos, Pathos, Logos
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What are some of the tactics you use to get
what you want from your parents. Jot down a
few things you typically say or do.
Discuss
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The act of influencing the mind by argument or
reasons offered.
Persuasion
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Ethos
Convincing by character, credibility, or ethical
appeal.
Who would you be more likely to vote for?
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To build ethos in presentation:
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To build ethos in writing, include:
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Ethos
Dress appropriately for the occasion/topic
Do not fidget or play with hair/clothing/etc.
Correct grammar/appropriate language
Personal credentials
Appropriate tone and examples
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Persuading by appealing to people’s emotions.
Think about the animal cruelty commercials on
television:
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Pathos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO9d2PpP7tQ
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To build pathos in your writing and speaking,
include:
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Pathos
Emotional anecdotes
Figurative language
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Persuading by appealing to people’s logic.
Logos
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To build logos in your writing and speaking,
include:
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Logos
Facts
Statistics
Cite your sources
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHMQEggEG
4k
Now for a corny video…

In your notes, number from 1 to 3. Identify the
persuasion techniques used in the arguments below, by
labeling them as [E] ethos, [P] pathos, or [L] logos.
Explain why you believe that utilize that particular
technique.
1.
“Ms. Wooten, you know that I am a good student. I have an A in
this class, I participate, and I always do my homework. If you let me
make up the quiz, I won’t let you down again.”
2.
“Ms. Wooten, you have to let me make up the quiz! I couldn’t read
last night because my brother was sick; he was throwing up every
where and I had to clean it up off the floor, the walls, and the toilet.
It was so disgusting, but someone had to do it.”
3.
“Ms. Wooten, I need to make up this quiz because if I don’t I will get
a zero and my grade will suffer.”
Rhetorical Triangle Assessment

With the person sitting next to you, write a
persuasive speech using ethos, pathos, and logos on
one of the following topics:
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Persuade Mr. Howatt to serve Chick-fil-A in the
cafeteria.
You have a mean craving for onion rings, but you
have made a New Year’s Resolution to be healthier.
Convince yourself to not order the onion rings.
You and your friends want to go see a movie on
Saturday night, but they are too scared to see the
new thriller movie that you want to see. Convince
them to go see the movie you want.
Should be 30 seconds long.
Be prepared to share your work with the class.
Assignment