Why It Matters: Rhetorical Appeals

Ostia, Baths of the Seven Sages (II)

Rhetorical appeals are fundamental elements of the art of persuasion as defined by Aristotle. As a reader and a listener, it is vital that you are able to recognize how writers and speakers rely upon ethos, logos, and pathos in their efforts to communicate. As a communicator yourself, you will benefit from being able to see how others use ethos, logos, and pathos so that you can apply what you learn to your own speaking and writing.

Glossary

Ethos refers to the character and credibility of a person, community, or group. As a rhetorical appeal, ethos establishes trust and authority.

Pathos is an appeal to emotion, often used to persuade an audience by evoking feelings rather than relying solely on logic.

Logos appeals to an audience’s logical side by presenting clear, reasoned arguments supported by evidence.