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Ethos . “Rhetoric is a good man speaking well.” –Quintilian . The Appeal of Ethos. Ethos is the projected character of a speaker or writer. Extrinsic ethos : a reputation; what degrees they hold; what job they have; their external expertise
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Ethos “Rhetoric is a good man speaking well.” –Quintilian
The Appeal of Ethos • Ethos is the projected character of a speaker or writer. • Extrinsic ethos: a reputation; what degrees they hold; what job they have; their external expertise • Intrinsic ethos: the impression created by the text itself, including language, grammar, tone, style, etc. • YOU need to use intrinsic ethos. Sound expert.
Audience matters • Think about what kind of authority will be respected by your particular audience? • An environmentalist speaking at an oil company convention? • A Tea Party advocate speaking at a meeting of the NAACP? • A freshman addressing the faculty of a large research university about publishing?
How to establish ethos • ASK YOURSELF: • 1. Have I used reasonable arguments? Have I considered the concerns of my audience or possible effects on them? • 2. Have I avoided exaggerating my claims inappropriately? • 3. Have I acknowledged other points of view? Have I done so with respect?
Establishing ethos . . . • 4. Have I established that I am credible on the issue? • 5. Have I provided enough information for my audience to decide that what I am saying is credible? • 6. Have I presented arguments in a manner than shows I respect my audience?
Don’t forget • You establish your ethos with your language, your attention to detail, your appearance, your speech patterns, your grammar, and your tone and style.