The Power Behind Persuation

When making a plea to someone you use one or more of Aristole's "artistic" or "intrinsic" proofs. Logos is the appeal to reason, which is also used for oration. Pathos is the appeal to emotion, and ethos is the persuasive appeal of a particular person's character. When you talk to a different person in your family you probably use a different appeal, because they will understand you more that way. I use different appeals to communicate with different people in my family.

My mother and I have a relationship that has withstood the tests of time. We are very similar in looks, attitude, and personality. My mother and I even sound the same! When I want my mother to understand me or something I am going through I use pathos, therefore I get emotional when I talk to her. She understands me the most so I can go from being sad to being excited all in the same conversation with my mother. We laugh and cry together, so our relationship is unconditional because she knows my honest intentions.

Being a daddy's girl isn't always easy! My dad and I have a unique relationship that only he and I truely understand. He likes me as a person and I like him as a person, so we can stay on the phone for hours talking about nothing because we like each other. Whenever I want or need something I don't immediately go to him because I appreciate him, and I want him to know that I don't want to take advantage of him. When I eventually ask my dad for something I really need it. Appealling through ethos is the persuasive appeal of one's character. I know that my dad likes me as a person, so when I persuade him it is because of my character. He just really likes me!

I have three brothers and I use the same appeal when I talk to my two older brothers. I use logos when I am appealling to them, because most of the time they need a reason to do whatever it is that I need them to do. Whether I am asking each of them for a ride somewhere or $10 I have to use logos when I am persuading them because they won't do it otherwise. If I come to them with a good reason why I need them for something they will do it. On the other hand if I don't have a good enough reason they will find a good reason not to do it!

It is important to know how to approach someone in conversation, and most sale people would agree. If you approach someone the wrong way your sale is forever lost.