Rhetorical Devices (Persuasive Techniques)

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion.

Rhetorical techniques are language tricks you can do to persuade audiences (persuasive techniques).

ETHOS PATHOS and LOGOS

These three techniques are called the Rhetorical Triangle.

They are from Ancient Greece, where perusasion and argument was an artform.

Basically, they are three ways to make a strong argument.

Ethos: In this technique, the speaker tries to show they have the authority or expertise to argue what they’re arguing. Look out for expert quotes.

Logos: In this technique, the speaker uses logic or science to justify what they’re saying. Look out for statistics and logical reasoning.

Pathos: In this technique, the speaker tries to get the audience to feel something. Look for appeals to emotions like humour, love, fear of death, embarrassment.