Ethos, Pathos, Logos, Kairos & SOAPSTone

Study Notes

Ethos

Centers on the trustworthiness of the writer or speaker.
Can manifest as "appeal to character" or "appeal to credibility."
Uses concession to acknowledge opposing views before asserting the writer's stance.
Derived from the reputation of the author or their expertise in a field, such as using statements from doctors in advertisements.

Pathos

Engages the audience's values and beliefs to evoke emotional responses.
Stimulates empathy by utilizing relatable stories to enhance logical arguments.
Appeals to feelings rather than just logic, highlighting the real-world impact of an argument.

Logos

Emphasizes logical reasoning and clarity within arguments.
Also known as "logical appeal," it relies on internal consistency.
Supports claims with data and factual evidence to strengthen the argument.

Kairos

Concerns the timeliness and appropriateness of an argument.
Represents pivotal moments requiring decisive action, emphasizing "seize the day."
Writers may create or capitalize on Kairos moments to prompt societal change or action.
Context influences how messages are delivered depending on the audience and situation.

Speaker (SOAPSTone)

Consider facts that reveal the speaker's perspective, such as age, gender, or emotional state.
Distinguish between the author and the speaker, as they may hold different positions or viewpoints.

Occasion (SOAPSTone)

Refers to the specific time and place of the writing and the context prompting it.
Identifies broader issues (larger occasion) alongside immediate events triggering the response (immediate occasion).

Audience (SOAPSTone)

Defines the target group for the text, evaluating whether it's an individual or multiple groups.
Assesses the writer's identification of the audience and implications that choice has on the text's creation.

Purpose (SOAPSTone)

Articulates the speaker's intent in crafting the text.
Clarifies what the speaker hopes the audience will think, feel, or do after engaging with the material.

Subject (SOAPSTone)

Captures the general topic or idea conveyed in the text.
Should be expressible in simple phrases summarizing the key focus of the piece.

Tone (SOAPSTone)

Conveys the speaker's attitude toward the subject matter.
Reflects the emotional undertone, impacting the audience's understanding and interpretation of the text’s message.

Description

Test your understanding of rhetorical elements like Ethos, Pathos, Logos, and Kairos along with the SOAPSTone framework. These flashcards will help you grasp how these concepts are utilized in writing and speaking to persuade an audience. Perfect for students of communication or rhetoric!