Persuasive Rhetorical
Strategies:
Ethos, Logos, & Pathos
Ethos
 Greek for “Character”
 Related to the English word
“ethics”
 Trustworthiness
 Are you even worth listening
to???
 We believe who we respect
Ethos Cont.
 Elements of ethos:




Correct grammar
Appropriate vocabulary
Sincere/fair minded presentation
Language appropriate to
subject/audience
 “Character” coming in…
Logos
 Greek for “word” & basis for
English word, “Logic”
 Appeals to intellect
 “Logical Argument”
 Basis for academic arguments
Logos Cont.
 Elements of Logos:





Factual data
Statistics
Quotations
Citations from “experts”
Literary & Historical References
Pathos
 Greek for “suffering/Experience”
 Related to the English words,
pathetic, sympathy, & empathy
 Persuasion through appeal to the
emotions
 Moves people into action
Pathos Cont.
 Elements of Pathos:
 Vivid language
 Emotionally loaded/connotative
language
 Figurative language
 Shocking visuals