What are 'persuasive techniques' used in communication?

Persuasive techniques in communication refer to the strategies used to convince or influence an audience. Ethos, pathos, and logos are fundamental rhetorical appeals that serve as effective tools in persuasion.

Ethos pertains to the credibility or ethical appeal of the speaker or writer, establishing trustworthiness and authority on the subject matter. This helps the audience feel more inclined to accept the message being delivered because they perceive the communicator as reliable.

Pathos involves appealing to the audience's emotions. By evoking feelings such as fear, joy, or empathy, the communicator can create a more engaging and compelling argument that resonates on a personal level with the audience, making them more likely to be persuaded.

Logos refers to logical reasoning and the use of facts, statistics, and logical arguments to appeal to the audience's rationality. This clarifies the argument and makes it more convincing based on evidence and clear reasoning.

Together, these techniques form a comprehensive approach to effective communication, allowing for a balanced appeal to credibility, emotion, and logic, thereby enhancing persuasion.