The relevance of Aristotle Model of Communication of Ethos, Pathos & Logos

Do you belong to either of these two categories?

1. You lack the ability to influence or inspire others.

2. You are able to influence or inspire people, but the impact is not satisfactory.  

The answer to your problems goes back 2400 years to the golden era of Aristotle. Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher and speaker, laid the foundation for a ‘speaking’ module called the Aristotle Model of Communication.

Aristotle believed that all public presentations should be a balance of three rhetorical elements: Ethos (the ethical), Pathos (the emotional), and Logos (the logical). Ethos is the trustworthiness or credibility of the speaker, his track record, and knowledge of the subject. Pathos is the skill of the speaker to use emotional and imaginative abilities to influence the audience. Logos is the proof or the logical appeal the speaker makes through facts, words, etc. Aristotle used this method to ethically influence his audience.

 "Great speakers and their speeches have left an indelible mark on the destinies of their nations and generations." They have studded history with gems of wisdom and courage and provoked revolutions. The Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, and Gandhi were able to inspire and persuade their people because they blended the three key elements of communication founded by Aristotle.

Knowingly or unknowingly, speakers over the generations have used the Aristotle model of communication. Speakers failed only when they did not believe or practice all three elements. Hitler, Gadaffi, and Sadam Hussein all spoke with power and passion. Hitler used Pathos (emotion) and Logos (logic) to sway and unite the German people against the Allies. Where he failed was in Ethos (ethics). His purpose was not ethical: his intention was to butcher and murder the Jews; his purpose was to conquer the whole world. Leaders like Imran Khan and Putin will soon realize that the world will see through their dishonest communication and objectives.

Time has taught us that the Ethos element cannot be ignored. Elegant body language, a resonant voice, impeccable language, and logic will not be sufficient to sway the minds and hearts of the people.

Aristotle has long been buried, but by living and practicing his principles of Ethos, Pathos and Logos, you will be able to inspire and influence your audience, your boss, your customers and even your spouse.