The Power of Language

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What is ‘The Art of Rhetoric’?

It is speaking that intends to make an impact through either persuading or influencing an audience. Plato states it is:

‘the art of ruling the minds of men’

Key Elements of Rhetoric Appeal:

• ETHOS: (Greek for character) The speaker’s trustworthiness or credibility, often defined by the having a good moral character. This means the audience is more inclined to listen to what the speaker has to say. ‘The appeal to credibility’.
• LOGOS: (Greek for ‘word’) Appeals to reason, a logical argument and supporting evidence is effective in swaying an audience’s perceptions to the speaker’s point of view.
• PATHOS: (Greek for suffering or experience) Refers to the emotion of the audience – the audience responds emotionally as well as identifying with the speaker’s point of view. The feel the emotion of the speaker. The power to move and audience into decision or action.

We also need to consider the following:

1. What is the purpose of the speech? Intended message?
2. Who is the speaker? (Ethos)
3. What is the context? (Occasion)
4. Who is the audience?