ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE: An Exercise in Rhetorical Strategy
Context: In this post-apocalyptic world, zombies are not the only threat to our survival. With a
scarcity of resources, many humans pose a danger to survival as well. Trust becomes difficult to
develop, and people are understandably guarded.
I have a refuge with a community, some basic medical supplies, a limited supply of food and
weapons. Your group comes to my door pleading to become part of my community. (Each group
represents one character).
Goal: Your goal is to persuade me to permit your entrance into my refuge. In order to do that, you
will need to use your Rhetorical Toolbox to construct a compelling narrative.

Logos—You can have one primary and one secondary skill. These skills should be
important to survival, or should give us reason to want to survive. Keep these skills
reasonable (i.e. if you are a ninja, you are not also a Nobel Prize Winning Scientist and
Engineer who developed a cure, and who can build bridges).

Ethos—The importance of trust cannot be overstated in the post-apocalyptic world.
You need to establish your goodwill through your use of diction, tone and how you
construct your narrative.

Pathos—Tell me briefly about your background. Who did you lose in the apocalypse?
How have you survived? Appeal to my humanity and reveal yours.
A few pointers: name your character—a name is more personal than a title. No pregnant women
and no children allowed—it’s too easy. No one can have the cure.
Keep in mind that the most successful arguments anticipate and refute the counterargument: what
will other groups argue? How can you incorporate their arguments into your own?
Order: Each group (representing a single person) has approximately 15 minutes to construct a
persuasive argument, tailoring the message to the audience (me! Ahem). After the brainstorming
session, each group will have a couple of minutes to present his/her case.
I will flow the arguments on the board and will have the difficult task of admitting one person, and
turning my back on others.