Logos-Logical appeals or appeals to reason. This will appeal to the audience through the use of facts, statistics, credible testimony cogent examples, or even a narrative or story. Inductive reasoning and Deductive reasoning usually work together in this type of appeal.
Ethos- Ethical appeals or appeals based on the writer’s authority and credibility. You can make ethical appeals to an audience by demonstrating that you are knowledgeable. You can build your credibility by sharing personal experiences in your arguments demonstrating empathy for the audience. If you show authority and trustworthiness in your argument, the audience will respond well to your argument. You can build your authority and trustworthiness by acknowledging opposing views and what their limitations are.
Pathos- emotional appeals or appeals to the heart. Using descriptive language, your argument can become much more powerful by painting a vivid picture of an emotional scene and thus pull at the audience’s heartstrings. Pathos can have a strong impact by directing the appeal at the audiences’ emotions.
Inductive reasoning- the process of drawing a generalization on the basis of a number of specific examples. You will use this reasoning in order to draw a conclusion based on previous occurrences of an event.
Deductive reasoning- reaches a conclusion by assuming a general principle (called the major premise) and then applying that principle to a specific case (called the minor premise). You will use this reasoning along with Inductive reasoning. After coming to a conclusion using inductive reasoning you might deduct a broader claim using a chain of reasoning based on the inductive conclusion.
Stasis Theory- Procedure during which questions are asked in order to arrive at the point at issue during a debate. Stasis theory is used to categorize arguments. The theory consists of the following questions:
- Did something happen?
- What is its nature?
- What is its quality?
- What actions should be taken?
Extrapolations-An inference about the future based on known facts and observations. Extrapolations will be used when writing arguments about the future. Ex: If X happens, so may Y.
Suasion-Persuasion as opposed to force or compulsion. Such writing often moves readers to recognize problems and to consider solutions.
Conviction-An agreement that a claim is true or reasonable. Arguments goal which is to discover a truth usually leads to conviction.
Rogerian argument-a conflict solving technique based on finding common ground instead of polarizing debate. This type of argument will help you approach the audience in a non-threatening way.
