The Art of Rhetoric:
Learning How to Use the Three Main Rhetorical Styles
Rhetoric (n) – the art of speaking or writing effectively. (Webster’s Definition)
According to Aristotle, rhetoric is “the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion.” He described three main forms of rhetoric: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.
In order to be a more effective writer, you must understand these three terms. Understand the meaning of each argument and how it makes writing more persuasive.
Logos
Logos is appeal based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are logos-driven. Scholarly documents are also often logos-driven.
Ethos
Ethos is appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author.
Pathos
Pathos is appeal based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven.
We spent several days understanding these terms, and practiced on page 275 in Springboard.
