What’s in your tool box?

“If all you have is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail.” unknown

What is persuasive writing?

Persuasive writing is writing that sets out to influence or change an audience's thoughts or actions.

You want something. How do you get it?

What tools will you use to persuade your audience to agree with you?

Why is your point of view more valid than the opposition’s?

What’s in your toolbox?

Appealing to logic

Appealing to emotion

Appealing to reason or character

What’s in your toolbox?Appealing to Logic (Logos)

Remember that an argument is an appeal to a person's sense of reason; it is not a violent fight, dispute, or disagreement.  It is a measured, logical way of trying to persuade others to agree with you.

One critical thing to remember is that there are at least two sides to every issue. If you take the attitude that there is only one side--your side--you will quite likely alienate your reader.

Logos refers to any attempt to appeal to the intellect, and it is the general meaning of a "logical argument." Academic arguments rely on logos. Logical connections of reasoning are needed to support all positions.

if you are focusing on the content of your message–the facts, logic, and reasoning of an appeal–you are using logos.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have enough evidence? (Is it sufficient?)

Will my audience believe my evidence? (Is it trustworthy?)

What are the assumptions built into my argument, and are those assumptions fair? (Is it verifiable?)

Does my conclusion follow logically from the claims I make?

How to develop logos

Use supporting facts

Use data

Provide evidence

Quote professionals on subject/topic

Provide a logical order

Order must make sense

What’s in your toolbox?Appealing to Emotion (Pathos)

The logical appeal is certainly an extremely persuasive tool.  However, our human nature also lets us be influenced by our emotions. Be careful, however, that when you use emotional appeal, you use it "legitimately."  You should not use it as a substitute for logical and/or ethical appeals.   If you use emotionally charged language or examples simply to upset or anger an audience, you are using emotion illegitimately. Appeal to your audience’s emotion.

Pathos is associated with emotion, such as appealing to an audience's sympathies and imagination. One common way to use pathos is through a narrative or a story that communicates an abstract lesson or meaning through a concrete experience. Values, beliefs and understandings of the arguer are implied and communicated to the audience through the story.

If you want to move the audience by appealing to their emotions, sympathies, or motivations, you will be using pathos.

How to develop pathos

Tell stories

Choose emotional words

Use analogies, metaphors, and similes

Use humor

Vocal clues

Use vivid, sensory words

Use visuals

What’s in your toolbox?Appealing to Reason or Character (Ethos = think of the word ethical)

Convince your readers that you are fair, honest, and well informed.  They will then trust your values and intentions.

Show your audience that you have integrity, are trust-worthy and are reputable.

Ethos, or the ethical appeal of the argument, represents credibility. The person delivering the argument must be trustworthy and respected as an expert who has knowledge about the issue in contention.

If you are using your own credibility and knowledge to create a sincere impression on the audience, you are using ethos.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you a reasonable person? (That is, are you willing to listen, compromise, concede points?) Are you authoritative? (Are you experienced and/or knowledgeable in the field you are arguing in?) Are you an ethical/moral person (Is what you're arguing for ethically sound/morally right) Are you concerned for the well-being of your audience? (To what extent will you benefit as a result of arguing from your particular position?)

How to develop ethos

Be a good person

Develop expertise in subject/topic

Analyze your audience and identify common traits, mannerisms, and dress

Reference people in audience

Tell personal stories

Use appropriate language, visuals, quotes, statistics

Class/Homework Assignment

Write a three Paragraph paper persuading your teacher why you should not have homework.

Your argument should include all three appeals: ethical, logical, and emotional. Please state your case with support and examples.

Be original with ideas and presentation.

At the end, label/identify your appeals.