4 offense: soften them up

Question 1

What are Aristotle’s three most powerful tools of persuasion?

Answer 1

Imagine you’re a superhero with three special powers:
* Argument by character (ethos): The power to inspire trust and admiration.
* Argument by logic (logos): The power to use reason and evidence.
* Argument by emotion (pathos): The power to connect with people’s feelings.

Question 2

What is argument by character (ethos)?

Answer 2

Imagine a teacher you admire. You probably trust what they say because they seem knowledgeable and kind. That’s ethos! It’s about how trustworthy and believable the speaker seems.

Question 3

What is argument by logic (logos)?

Answer 3

Imagine explaining to your friend why it’s important to wear a helmet when riding a bike. You might mention safety facts and statistics. That’s logos! It’s about using logic, reason, and evidence to persuade.

Question 4

What is argument by emotion (pathos)?

Answer 4

Imagine a commercial showing a cute puppy to make you feel happy and want to buy their dog food. That’s pathos! It’s about using emotions to persuade.

Question 5

What is decorum?

Answer 5

Imagine going to a friend’s birthday party. You probably wouldn’t wear pajamas and bring a noisy toy! Decorum is about acting appropriately for the situation and audience.

Question 6

How can decorum be used in an argument?

Answer 6

Decorum can make you seem more trustworthy and likable, which can make your argument more persuasive. It’s about fitting in and showing respect for your audience.

Question 7

What is argument jujitsu?

Answer 7

Imagine using your opponent’s weight against them in a wrestling match. Argument jujitsu is similar! It’s about using your opponent’s own arguments to your advantage.

Question 8

What is tactical sympathy?

Answer 8

Imagine your friend is sad because they lost their favorite toy. You might show them that you understand how they feel. That’s tactical sympathy! It’s about showing concern for your audience’s emotions.

Question 9

Why is ethos important in persuasion?

Answer 9

People are more likely to listen to and believe someone they trust and respect. Ethos helps you build that trust and credibility.

Question 10

Why is logos important in persuasion?

Answer 10

Logos helps you make strong, convincing arguments by using evidence and reason. It helps your audience understand why your ideas make sense.

Question 11

Why is pathos important in persuasion?

Answer 11

Pathos helps you connect with your audience on an emotional level, making them more likely to care about your argument and take action.

Question 12

How can you use logos, ethos, and pathos together in an argument?

Answer 12

Imagine you’re trying to convince your friends to help you build a treehouse. You could use:
* Logos: Explain the steps involved and how sturdy it will be.
* Ethos: Show them you’re serious by having a well-thought-out plan.
* Pathos: Get them excited about the fun you’ll have in the treehouse!

Question 13

What is concession?

Answer 13

Imagine your friend says, ‘This game seems too hard.’ You might say, ‘Yeah, it can be challenging at first.’ That’s concession! It’s agreeing with your opponent on a point.

Question 14

How can concession be used in an argument?

Answer 14

Concession can make your opponent feel heard and respected, which can make them more open to your ideas. It can also make you seem more reasonable and trustworthy.

Question 15

What is the ‘Yes, and…’ technique?

Answer 15

Imagine your friend says, ‘Let’s pretend we’re astronauts!’ You might say, ‘Yes, and we’re exploring a new planet!’ That’s the ‘Yes, and…’ technique! It’s accepting your partner’s ideas and building on them.

Question 16

How can the ‘Yes, and…’ technique be used in an argument?

Answer 16

The ‘Yes, and…’ technique can help keep an argument moving forward and create a more collaborative atmosphere. It shows you’re listening and willing to consider your opponent’s ideas.

Question 17

What is agreeability in an argument?

Answer 17

Imagine having a calm and respectful conversation with someone, even if you disagree. That’s agreeability! It’s about finding common ground and avoiding anger and conflict.

Question 18

How can you be more agreeable in an argument?

Answer 18

To be more agreeable:
* Listen carefully to your opponent.
* Show respect for their views.
* Find areas of agreement.
* Avoid interrupting or raising your voice.

Question 19

What is sympathy in rhetoric?

Answer 19

Imagine your friend is scared of a thunderstorm. You might say, ‘I understand why you’re scared, loud noises can be frightening.’ That’s sympathy! It’s showing that you understand and care about your audience’s emotions.

Question 20

How can sympathy be used in an argument?

Answer 20

Sympathy can create a connection with your audience and make them more receptive to your message. It shows you care about their feelings, which can make them more likely to trust you.