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The rhetorical triangle, developed by Aristotle, uses logos, ethos, and pathos to appeal to an audience. Logos appeals to reason, ethos to credibility, and pathos to emotion. Students can apply it in their writing by using credible evidence, engaging examples, and demonstrating qualifications.
The rhetorical triangle represents a style of speaking and writing designed to inform, influence, and persuade an audience. Originally developed by the philosopher Aristotle, this particular linguistic device uses three key components to appeal to the audience or readers. They include logos, ethos and pathos, sometimes referred to as subject, writer and audience. Some questions or features can help when writing or identifying rhetorical analysis.
One of the goals of the rhetorical triangle is to rationally appeal to the public. Logos can best be described as the reasoning or text of an argument. In this case, the writer or speaker is also presenting knowledge on the subject and offering different perspectives. Logos can be used to argue or take a position on a topic while presenting facts and evidence to support all research. Case studies, laboratory experiments, and statistics are examples of work that appeals to the logos, or logical reasoning, of the audience.
Credibility also helps to appeal to an audience. The ethos part of the rhetorical triangle refers to the form or delivery of a debate, which in turn gives insight into the character of the writer or speaker. The ethos should help demonstrate the author’s credibility and trustworthiness, as well as the ability to demonstrate any knowledge of the subject. With the ethical component of the rhetorical triangle, the audience expects the author’s presentation to be clear, fair and balanced.
Pathos provides the strongest appeal to an audience because it triggers emotion and interest. This aspect of rhetoric focuses on audience reactions as well as helping them tap into their own imagination. The writer or speaker uses pathos to connect with the audience and tap into their values and beliefs.
Students can apply the rhetorical triangle in their writing or learn to identify it using certain criteria. When using logos in a research paper, for example, the thesis must be clearly identified and supported by credible evidence and sound reasons. Logos must also demonstrate a logical argument that is well thought out and presented in a logical order. When pathos is applied, the topic must provide visual detail and robust examples that engage the listener or reader, as well as relate to the audience’s values and belief systems.
The ethos must show a connection to the writer and the topic under discussion. The sources in this case must be suitably identified and cited. The writer or speaker must demonstrate qualifications by not just demonstrating knowledge, but by using word choices and tone correctly and professionally. Finally, if a document or speech argues for a specific point of view, the writer must show ethos by respecting multiple points of view, which can be done by citing the appropriate references.
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