Appealing to one's emotions can be a tactful, and wise choice in determining which aspects of the audience you want to convince, and how. Using a pathos approach to your argument appropriately can add the flare that you need to spur the audiences attention, win their hearts over, anger them, as well as a slue of emotions that are equally, and potently effective. I have used this tactic myself when trying to convince my friends on arguments I feel passionate about, that they might or might not have an opinion on. As a student, I am often times found trying to defend my own beliefs against those around me. Appealing to the emotional aspects of my audience I have found to win over my audience more often than not.
Appealing my audience to shame may seem like a lack-luster approach to winning an audience, but that's because you may not see it the same way I do. Shame is a powerful tool; A scornful look from a mother, teacher, or peer can correct a situation in many ways that conversation can not. That isn't to say that shame can't be expressed through the use of words, but a guilty mind will go farther than a dedicated one, in my experience. We can see this used through religion as a means of keeping order, or establishing a means of persuasion through the congregation. Allowing the believer to know that they may be absolved of their shame by simply confessing them has a tremendous power over them.
Appealing to shame may be one way to persuade an audience but allowing them to feel compassionate about it can have the same effect. Making the feeling mutually available for both parties establishes a commonplace with your audience, and gives them footing into the topic. This method may also be used to inspire, or motivate the audience to action. Feeling passionate about a topic may be one of the most solid ways to express your emotions for the subject. Tears, yelling, getting up and moving around are all great examples of how the compassion for the topic has spread throughout the audience. Allowing them to share your emotions with you can have a great impact on them.
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Emotions and emotional appeals are strong tools when persuading someone. The funny thing is, we have been using this tool all of our lives, and we have been practicing it even before we studied it! In your example of your friends, teachers and in life.
ReplyDeleteShame is another useful tool, but why do you say that "a guilty mind will go farther than a dedicated one"? Religion is a good example of shame being used as an appeal for the means of persuasion.
Compassion is a useful form of persuasion too. I like how you compared compassion to a commonplace of conformity. You say that when people feel like they are a valuable part of a larger group, they can be persuaded by compassion. It is a great method to inspire and motivate, and ultimately persuade them.
Good job! See you in class!