Download Ethos

Aristotle’s Methods
of Rhetoric: Ethos
Barry 2010
Aristotle’s Methods of Rhetoric
• Ethos: the characteristic of credibility
emanated by a speaker
• Pathos: persuasion through emotional
appeal
• Logos: persuasion through use of logic
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas
Ethos
• Which imaginary statement would you be
more likely to believe?
1. “Changes in professional football are
producing a faster, more pass-oriented
game.” (Peyton Manning)
2. “Changes in professional football are
producing a slower, more run-oriented
game.” (Hillary Clinton)
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas
Ethos
• Which imaginary statement would you be
more likely to believe?
1. “We can expect more female candidates
for President in the foreseeable future.”
(Hillary Clinton
2. “We will not have more female
candidates for President in the
foreseeable future.” (Peyton Manning)
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas
Ethos
• A speaker’s ethos has to do with
credibility: the audience’s perception of
whether a speaker is qualified to speak on a
given topic
• The two major factors influencing a
speaker’s credibility are
• 1. Competence
• 2. Character
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas
Ethos
• The two major factors influencing a
speaker’s credibility are
• 1. Competence
• 2. Character
• Competence: how an audience regards a
speaker’s intelligence, expertise, and
knowledge of the subject
• Character: how an audience regards a
speaker’s sincerity, trustworthiness, and
concern for the well-being of the audience
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas
Enhancing Your Ethos
• Build credibility by:
• 1. explaining your competence
• 2. establishing common ground with
your audience
• 3. delivering your speech fluently,
expressively, and with conviction
• The first two occur during your
introduction, and the third happens
throughout your speech.
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas
1. Explaining your competence
• You may choose to explain your research
or personal experiences that make you
qualified to speak on your topic.
• Example 1: Research
• Example 2: Personal experience
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas
2. Establishing common
ground
• Creating common ground: a technique in
which a speaker connects himself or
herself with the values, attitudes, or
experiences of the audience
• Example 3
• Example 4
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas
3. Fluency, expressiveness, and
conviction
• If your delivery is effective, you will gain
credibility
• Show confidence as you speak! Act like
you know what you are talking about!
• President Harry Truman said that in
speaking, “sincerity, honestly, and a
straightforward manner are more
important than special talent or polish.”
Adapted from The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas