Skip to content
Read • Question • ConnectAnthony’s notes & researchReturn with a new question
Anthony’s NotesA personal field guide
From the notebook

Rhetorical Triangle

Aristotle’s three appeals. Every persuasive move is one of them, and a case that leans on only one is fragile.

AppealAnchored inThe question it answersWhere it’s covered
Ethosthe speakerWhy should I trust you?Win Every Argument - Medhi Hasan > 4 PLAY THE BALL ... AND THE MAN (Page 72) — and how to attack theirs
Pathosthe audienceWhy should I care?Win Every Argument - Medhi Hasan > 2 FEELINGS, NOT (JUST) FACTS (Page 32) · Presenting Your Case > Gaining a Sympathetic Audience
Logosthe messageWhy is it true?Argument Structure · Win Every Argument - Medhi Hasan > 3 SHOW YOUR RECEIPTS (Page 53)

The fourth, often-forgotten corner is kairos — timing. The right appeal at the wrong moment fails anyway.

Related → Rhetoric · Rhetorical Strategies · Rhetoric & Persuasion (MOC)