The Rhetorical Triangle

The Rhetorical Triangle

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The Rhetorical Triangle

Aristotle

Aristotle taught that a speaker's ability to persuade an audience is based on how well the speaker appeals to that audience in three different areas: logos, ethos, and pathos. Considered together, these appeals form what later rhetoricians have called the rhetorical triangle.

The Rhetorical triangle

The rhetorical triangle is typically represented by an equilateral triangle, suggesting that logos, ethos, and pathos should be balanced within a text. However, which aspect(s) of the rhetorical triangle you favor in your writing depends on both the audience and the purpose of that writing. If you are in doubt, seek a balance among all three elements.

Click on each point to review the details of each rhetorical component.

ETHOS

LOGOS

PATHOS

Ethos

Questions for recognizing and using ETHOS in communication

ETHOS - The Speaker

Ethos is the Greek term for "ethics" and has come to represent the speaker's credibility in the art of persuasion. Ethos can be established with the audience in many ways, including conveying the speaker's confidence, quality of research and sources, establishing common ground and respecting multiple viewpoints, and professionalism in presentation. Establish ethos in your communication to give your audience reason to trust what you are saying.

• What are the writer’s qualifications?
• Does the writer demonstrate respect for and engage with multiple viewpoints by using sources in the text?
• Are sources credible and documented appropriately?
• Does the writer use a tone that is suitable for the audience or purpose?
• If written, is the document presented in a polished and professional manner?

PAThos

PATHOS - The AUDIENCE

Questions for recognizing and using PATHOS in communication

Pathos is the Greek term for "emotion" and represents how the audience is made to feel, or how they experience, the message being communicated. The use of pathos in an argument or communication can move an audience to feel pity, anger, fear, happiness, jealousy, motivation, and even longing. Establishing pathos in your communication can move your audience to not only adopt or accept your argument, but to act.

• Are vivid examples, details, and images used to engage the reader’s emotions and imagination?
• Does the writer or speaker appeal to the values and beliefs of the reader by using examples readers can relate to or care about?

LOGos

LOGOS - The Message

Logos is the Greek term for "logic" and has come to represent the facts, research, and evidence in an argument to support the claim being made. Logos can be established by including supporting evidence for your claim from credible sources, using logically sound arguments, and incorporating high-quality research and sources. Use logos in your communication to convince your audience that your argument is worthwhile, credible, and well researched.

Questions for recognizing and using LOGOS in communication

• Is the thesis of the argument clear and specific?
• Is the thesis supported by strong reasons and credible evidence?
• Is the argument logical and arranged in a well-reasoned order?