Download Persuasive Appeals

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
Words to Know:
 Claim: argument
 Data: evidence
 Warrant: reasoning with logic
Ethos
 Related to the English word Ethics.
 Refers to the trustworthiness of the speaker/writer.
 Ethos is an effective persuasive strategy-when we
believe the speaker does not intend to do us harm, we
are more willing to listen.
 Example: Doctors give us medical advice we may not
fully understand, but we trust and believe they know
what they are talking about.
Pathos
 Related to the words pathetic, sympathy and empathy.
 When you accept a claim or argument based on how it
makes you feel w/out fully analyzing the rationale
behind the claim, you are acting on pathos. (emotion)
 Can be considered manipulative, but is an effective
persuasion tool.
 Appeals to human connection and emotion.
Successful use of this technique touches a nerve and
compels people to not only listen, but to also take
action.
Logos
 Greek word meaning Logic. Any attempt to appeal to
the intellect.
 Everyday arguments rely heavily on ethos and pathos,
but academic arguments rely more on logos.
 Logical chains of reasoning (evidence) must support
all claims.
Using Ethos, Pathos, and Logos:
 Write 3 separate notes to my daughters to persuade
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

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them to wear warmer clothing in the Winter months.
Each note should focus on utilizing a different
persuasive appeal.
Persuade them using Ethos (credibility)
Persuade them using Pathos (emotion)
Persuade them using Logos (logic)
Dear, Kayleigh, Emma, and Christa