The rhetorical triangle Logic, Argument, Persuasion

Purpose Ethos Logos Pathos Speaker/Writer Message/Reason Audience/Emotion

Purpose: Intent Purpose Ethos Logos Pathos What is the writer’s goal? Speaker/Writer Logos Message/Reason Purpose Pathos Audience/Emotion Purpose: Intent What is the writer’s goal? Is the intent implied by the content or explicitly stated? What does the writer hope to achieve by delivering this message? How this purpose is achieved is through the application of rhetorical technique…

Ethos: The Speaker/Writer (“moral or showing moral character) Logos Message/Reason Purpose Pathos Audience/Emotion Ethos: The Speaker/Writer (“moral or showing moral character) Focus is on how the speaker’s credibility is established Qualifications How is the writer connected to the topic? Is attention paid to multiple viewpoints? Sources Are they credible? Are they documented appropriately? Delivery Is the tone suitable for audience/purpose? Is the diction appropriate for audience/purpose? Is the document polished and professional?

Pathos: The Audience/Appeal (“suffering, experience”) Ethos Speaker/Writer Logos Message/Reason Purpose Pathos Audience/Emotion Pathos: The Audience/Appeal (“suffering, experience”) Focus is on how the audience’s emotions are engaged or manipulated Are vivid examples, details and images used to engage the reader’s emotions and imagination? Does the writer appeal to the values and beliefs of the reader by using relevant examples readers can relate to or care about?

Logos: Logic and Reason (“to count, say, tell, speak) Ethos Speaker/Writer Logos Message/Reason Purpose Pathos Audience/Emotion Logos: Logic and Reason (“to count, say, tell, speak) Focus is on how the speaker presents logical evidence and argument to sway the audience Is the thesis clear and specific? Is the thesis supported by strong reasons and credible evidence? Is the argument logical and arranged in a well-reasoned order?

Rhetorical criteria Intent Purpose/Goal/Message Implied/Explicit Ethos Writer’s Role Writer/Source Credibility Logos Argument’s Logic Appeal to Reason Pathos Appeal to Emotion Audience’s Role