The Art of Persuasion

This section really appealed to me because of the discussion on logos, pathos and ethos. In an earlier writing class we had briefly discussed using these three tools to appeal to an audience but I was never really sure on how to use pathos and ethos. I think these sections really clarify how these tools are used and make it seem like any average person can be a first rate orator with some basic knowledge of these devices. The three argument tools that Heinrichs mentioned: virtue, practical wisdom and disinterest pretty much summed up ethos. I also felt that the first trait- virtue connected well with decorum in that decorum lets the audience find you agreeable and lets them see that you meet their expectations and/or have similar goals. The end of the chapter had my most favorite rhetorical strategy so far mentioned in this book- dubitatio. Personally I know I don't like to see speakers who think their point of view should be accepted since there more educated in the matter and who think there better than the people they speak to. However, when you see a speaker who seems more common and related to the average person I would be more inclined to accept his beliefs. I think this is also a more simpler strategy to use since if you are not proficient in public speaking you might naturally have some uncertainty about what your speaking about and you can use this to your advantage.