The modes of persuasion are devices
in rhetoric that classify the speaker's appeal to the audience.
They are: ethos, pathos, and logos. These are described in detail
below:
- Ethos: It is an appeal to the
authority or credibility of the presenter. It is how well the
presenter convinces the audience that the presenter is qualified to
speak on the subject.
- Pathos: It is an appeal to the
audience’s emotions. It can be particularly powerful if used well,
but most speeches do not solely rely on pathos. Pathos is most
effective when the author or speaker demonstrates agreement with an
underlying value of the reader or listener.
- Logos: It is logical appeal. It is
normally used to describe facts and figures that support the
speaker's claims or thesis. Having a logos appeal also enhances
ethos because information makes the speaker look knowledgeable and
prepared to his or her audience.