Ethical Appeal is defined as which of the following?

Ethical Appeal is defined as which of the following?

• A. The emotional tone of a speech
• B. The use of authority and power
• C. A method of persuasion that relies on the speaker's credibility and moral character
• D. The logical sequence of a proof

Answer: (C)

Ethical Appeal is a method of persuasion that relies on the speaker's credibility and moral character. It builds trust by showing the speaker is knowledgeable, honest, and has the audience’s best interests in mind, so listeners are more receptive because they believe the speaker is reliable. For example, a trainer who cites credentials, adheres to ethical standards, and demonstrates goodwill toward the audience strengthens trust and makes the message more persuasive. This differs from emotional appeal, which targets feelings (pathos), and from a purely logical sequence of proof, which relies on reasoning and evidence (logos). The ethical appeal, then, centers on the speaker’s character and trustworthiness.

Ethical Appeal is a method of persuasion that relies on the speaker's credibility and moral character. It builds trust by showing the speaker is knowledgeable, honest, and has the audience’s best interests in mind, so listeners are more receptive because they believe the speaker is reliable. For example, a trainer who cites credentials, adheres to ethical standards, and demonstrates goodwill toward the audience strengthens trust and makes the message more persuasive. This differs from emotional appeal, which targets feelings (pathos), and from a purely logical sequence of proof, which relies on reasoning and evidence (logos). The ethical appeal, then, centers on the speaker’s character and trustworthiness.