Rhetorical Strategy: Tricks for maximum Persuasion

Almost all of us want to become someone who can influence those around us. While persuasion is a powerful tool, many of us lack it. But it’s never too late to learn how to charm and impact those around you.

This post introduces a rhetorical strategy that taps into 3 vital persuasive tools. These techniques can turn the tables in your favor! So let’s dig deeper into what these are and how to use them.

Logos

Rhetorical Strategies, such as logos, are vital tools in persuasive writing. Logos, one of Aristotle’s three appeals, refers to the use of logical reasoning to form an argument. It is based on the idea that a well-supported claim is more credible.

Key Differences	Inductive Reasoning	Deductive Reasoning
Logical Process	You form a generalization on the basis of a specific fact.	Using general facts to form a specific conclusion.
Essential requirement	To draw a general conclusion, you must have reliable evidence.	Only use authentic general facts to draw a conclusion.
Correct Way of Usage	Use a sufficient amount of evidence/ facts. The taken instance or fact must represent a larger population.	The facts you draw conclusions from, must be solid.
Examples	Ramsha writes good editorial examples; she must be a good writer.	All mammals have hair. Gorilla is a mammal. Gorillas must have hair.

You can use both inductive and deductive reasoning to build a solid argument. But, you must ensure that your logic justifies your conclusion. Using logos in your writing can make your arguments more persuasive. Inductive and deductive methods of reasoning are both strong logical techniques. Using these strategies in arguments can help you convince your audience.

Don’t of Logos

Logos are the most “logical” way of going about an argument. (pun intended). However, there are some common mistakes that you must avoid to maintain effectiveness in your argument. 

1. Your hypothesis must have a direct connection to your result. (don’t think about a chain of events) 

2. Avoid jumping to conclusions. Before making any hasty generalizations, ensure your evidence is not biased. 

For example: 

If I start a research paper right now I will score amazing grades in the entire semester. This is a bit of a stretch. 

3. Don’t mistake correlation for causation. Don’t assume if “A” happened after “B” then “B” must have led to “A”. 

Examples: 

It rains whenever I decide to go to the Mall. Thus, my trip to the mall leads to inclement weather.   

A ship with women aboard, lost its course. Thus, bringing women on board a ship is bad luck. 

4. Avoid making logical claims on the basis of moral or ethical biases. 

For example: 

Availing guidance or help from college paper writing service platforms is wrong. Since some people think of it as unethical. 

5. Avoid determining characters depending on backgrounds. Don’t solidify your conclusions on something or someone simply because of their origins. This includes all ideas, theories, people, entities, or organizations. 

For Example: 

Light bulbs are hazardous, because Edison was a scam and stole Tesla’s ideas. 

The Volkswagen vehicles are evil, since the Nazi labor front built them. 

6. Avoid restarting your argument without providing evidence. 

Examples: 

Gewin is a good dancer because she moves rhythmically. 

This results section is good as it shows consequences. 

7. Don’t oversimplify your conclusion by stripping it down to an either or statement. 

For instance; 

We should stop the use of plastic or destroy our planet. 

The nursing research topics are either too easy or too challenging. 

8. Refrain from making conclusions influenced by biases. This includes attacking people’s character and neglecting their arguments. 

For instance;

AMA citation doesn’t use et al because Rome was a rotten kingdom. 

9. Don’t make conclusions about facts on the basis of your personal bias. Most people commit this mistake while talking about their nations. 

To illustrate; 

A true Britisher would always care for their monarchy.

Pathos

Pathos is a rhetorical strategy that aims to appeal to the emotions of an audience. It focuses on evoking specific feelingsand connecting with listeners or readers. This includes feelings such as anger, joy, or sadness, in order to persuade. This techniquetaps into human emotions to influence attitudes, beliefs, and actions.

This persuasive technique is highly effective due to several reasons:

• It helps both parties in an argument to connect.
• Emotional connection makes arguments more memorable, engaging, and impactful.
• Emotions play a vital role in shaping perspective and decision-making processes. By incorporating pathos you can influence how people perceive and interpret information.
• Pathos, as a rhetorical strategy, leads to a deeper understanding and acceptance of the message.
• Arguments that evoke strong emotions are more likely to be shared and remembered.

For instance;

We remember Martin Luther King’s speech “I have a dream”. Even decades after, people can still recall the entire monologue.

• Emotional connection to any argument can help listeners engage actively.
• Pathos fosters empathy among all parties.

Using Pathos to Benefit Your Argument

Here are 8 tips on using pathos as your rhetorical strategy

1. Understand your audience
2. Tell a compelling story
3. Use Vivid or Descriptive Language
4. Appeal through Share Values
5. Incorporate Power Visuals
6. Empathize With Your Audience
7. Use Emotional Language
8. Be Ethical About Using Emotions
9. Balance Emotions and Logic

So, before you jump into an argument, remember to communicate through both; logic and emotion. These persuasive techniques will help you win any argument against all odds.

Ethos

The third most vital rhetorical strategy is ethos. It is to emphasize the author or speaker’s credibility to influence people. Ethos aims to establish the trustworthiness and expertise of the speaker. It can significantly enhance the persuasiveness of their argument.

Ethos helps listeners to view their speakers as an authentic source of information. This is achievable through various means;

• Highlight their high ranking position.
• Promoting their expertise in a particular field
• Quoting personal experiences as a speaker

Establishing ethos is the quickest way to maximize the impact on your audience. Thus, if you use this rhetorical strategy smartly, you can benefit. Let’s get into some tricks to leverage ethos to your advantage

Establish your expertise

Highlight whatever makes you an authority on the topic.

1. Your credentials
2. Experiences
3. Qualifications

This enhances your credibility. It also makes your audience more receptive to your message.

Showcase your integrity.

Demonstrate your ethical conduct by being honest, fair and transparent in your communication. Any use of manipulation tactics can harm your credibility. It may even undermine your audiences’ trust in you for the future.

Support your claims with evidence.

Build a solid foundation with concrete evidence, data, or expert opinion. This will always support your claim and substantiate your argument. It will instantly influence your audience, making you more persuasive.

Use credible sources.

Reference reliable and authoritative sources in your communication. Lend support to your content by citing reputable experts or organizations. This can enhance your credibility and make your arguments more convincing.

Establish common ground.

Connect with your audience on shared values, experiences, or interests. Finding commonality builds rapport and establishes a relatable ethos. It can deeply influence your audience.

Demonstrate empathy.

Show understanding and compassion towards your audience. Relate to their needs, concerns, or perspectives. Acknowledging your listener’s emotions is a magical rhetorical strategy. It requires an ethos and gets both parties on the same page.

Practice active listening.

Listen attentively to your audience’s feedback, questions, and concerns. Respond thoughtfully and respectfully, demonstrating that you value their input. This active engagement cultivates a trustworthy ethos. It also fosters a positive and collaborative relationship with your audience.

By implementing these tricks, you can harness the power of ethos to your advantage. Remember, leveraging this rhetorical strategy is not about deceiving your audience. But about establishing an authentic connection of understanding and influence.

Conclusion

To wrap up; structuring your content around ethos, pathos, and logos is the ultimate recipe for an amazing argument. If you enjoyed this content, be sure to read more from Paperperk’s team. While you’re at it.