Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

Ethos focuses on appealing to character. The speaker is trying to show they are trustworthy and knowledgeable on the subject. They show that they have lots of experience on the subject. An example of this would be a father talking to a son about not smoking. Using ethos it might sound something like this.

Son, I know what your going through. I also tried a cigarette for the first time when I was your age. Now I know that smoking never has any benefits. The father is using ethos because he is showing his son that he has been through the same thing.

Logos uses clear logic and reasoning. This is done by having a main idea and supporting it with evidence. This can also be done by successfully refuting a counter argument. Logos is extremely effective in a debate. For example if a speaker was debating on a certain topic, they can use logos to win the debate. 

The speaker's own argument must be strong by having a main idea and backing it up with evidence. Also, if the speaker analyzes and refutes the opponents counter arguments with sound logic, then the opponent will have nothing to say. Logos is a good way to come to conclusions based upon logic.

Pathos evokes emotion. Emotions can have great influence over how a person makes decisions. Is the speaker really moves the audience with an emotional story, then they might feel closer to the speaker, and thus listen to and understand their points better.

Politicians try to use this all the time in their commercials and at their conventions. One example is John McCain's story of how he was a Vietnam prisoner of war. He told of how he was greatly injured in hopes that votes might feel that he has been through a lot, and thus he is ready to lead the country. Pathos appeals to emotions, and it can be easier to influence people when they feel emotional connections to the speaker.