Rhetoric - Video Script

Voiceover: Are you struggling to write persuasive essays or speeches that connect with
audiences? Perhaps you need to consider employing rhetorical appeals and devices. Many
effective speakers throughout history have used rhetoric to motivate and convince their
audiences.

(Video clips of speakers, maybe Barack Obama, Greta Thunberg…)

Voiceover: What did these speakers have in common? They used one or more of the four
rhetorical appeals found on the rhetorical triangle. (Show picture of rhetorical triangle)

The appeals on this triangle, ethos, pathos, and logos, help speakers and writers connect with
their audiences by appealing to either a sense of credibility, emotion, or logic.

The first element, ethos, which means “ethics” in Greek, deals with the idea that the speaker
has credibility to speak on the topic. Maybe they are an expert or a celebrity associated with that
idea. For example, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a supreme court justice, would have had plenty of
credibility to discuss matters of the U.S. Constitution. Establishing authority on the topic you’re
speaking about creates a stronger argument and means your audience is more likely to listen.

The next element on the triangle is pathos, which means “emotion” in Greek, is an appeal used
when the speaker wants to evoke a feeling in their audience. President Barack Obama relied on
pathos in his 2009 inaugural address when he stated: “On this day, we gather because we have
chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.” With these words, he
attempts to create a feeling of unity and camaraderie in his audience.

The last appeal on the triangle is logos, meaning “logic” in Greek. When a speaker uses logic,
they are going to state facts and statistics, quote research, or refer to history in order to provide
evidence to support their argument. One speaker who did this effectively is Great Thunberg who
addressed the UN about climate action in 2019. In her speech, she pointed to evidence and
research that showed just how bad the environment had gotten in recent years. This added to
her argument because the damage she claimed occurred was then irrefutable. Anyone in the
audience could fact-check her claims.

So, next time you must write a speech or an essay with the purpose of arguing or convincing, try
employing these rhetorical appeals. A skilled writer can use all three appeals to motivate and
convince an audience to join their cause.