What does "pathos" refer to in persuasive speaking?

In persuasive speaking, "pathos" refers to the emotional appeal used to persuade the audience. When a speaker effectively uses pathos, they aim to evoke emotions such as pity, sadness, joy, or anger to connect with their listeners on a deeper level. This emotional connection can influence the audience's attitudes, beliefs, and actions, compelling them to relate personally to the message being conveyed. By harnessing the power of emotions, speakers can create a more impactful and memorable experience, often encouraging the audience to support a cause or adopt a particular viewpoint based on their feelings rather than just logical arguments.

The other choices reflect different aspects of persuasive speaking. Logical reasoning, seen in the first option, pertains to "logos," which focuses on rationality rather than emotions. The third choice discusses the use of statistics, which also aligns with logical reasoning and is often categorized under logos. The fourth choice highlights the importance of a speaker’s ethical credibility or "ethos," which pertains to trustworthiness and authority rather than emotional appeal. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effectively employing various rhetorical strategies in communication.