Forms of Persuasion in Writing

Generally, in most forms of communication we want our audience to believe and be receptive to what we have to say. In writing in particular, in order to do this, we use rhetorical appeals. These appeals are called Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.

Ethos is an appeal to authority. It is used to convince the reader of our credibility. If readers see the writer as credible they are more likely to agree and enjoy what they read. This can be done by using credible sources to support arguments. Our own accomplishments also influence how readers view us. A writer that has shown expertise on the subject will be received better. For example, a professor’s opinion on a subject they teach, is accepted more than a student’s opinion is. Pathos, is an appeal to emotion. This can be done by writing about information that we know is a touchy subject, or by how we use that information. If we want to influence a reader, we can use words that will induce fear, or alternatively words that induce happier emotions. Logos, is an appeal to logic. Different from pathos as we try to persuade our readers with factual and logical evidence. This can be done by showing statistics that support our arguments.

Persuasion is used in every form of communication and writing is no different. While people respond differently to each appeal, we can be sure that by using one or more of these appeals we will better engage our readers.

By Dvir Bar, FCC Student, WRC Tutor

Lutzke, Jaclyn and Henggeler, Mary. The Rhetorical Triangle: Understanding and Using Logos,     Ethos, and Pathos. School of Liberal Arts, 2009.