Aristotle’s Methods of Rhetoric: EthosBarry 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 audienceAdapted 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