Appeals

The writer/speaker uses different approaches and includes different details in order to influence the audience’s attitude toward the subject. Ultimately, the speaker aims to:

1. Appeal to Logic

2. Appeal to Credibility/Character

3. Appeal to Emotion

Appealing to Logic

The writer/speaker: offers clear, reasonable premises and

proofs, develops ideas with appropriate

details, and makes sure readers can follow the

progression of ideas.

Appealing to Credibility/CharacterThe writer/speaker: demonstrates that he is credible, good-

willed, & knowledgeable connects his thinking to the reader’s own

ethical or moral beliefs.

Audiences and speakers should assume the best intentions and most thoughtful search for truths.

Appealing to Emotion

The writer/speaker:• draws on emotions and interests of

readers• highlights those emotions using o personal stories and observations

to provoke audience’s sympathetic reaction

o figurative language to heighten emotional connections

Speaker Audience

SubjectThe rhetorical triangle and rhetorical appeals work together. Appealing to Em

otionsAp

peal

ing

to L

ogic

Appealing to Credibility