Using relevant stories gives rise to feelings by triggering emotions that make the audience support your message
If you miss one pillar out, you are reducing the persuasive power of your talk. Using all three will support your case in a balanced way, like three legs on a stool? You heighten impact by including all three. You will appeal to the different kinds of people in an audience.Ethos: Establish your credibility, authority, and character
1. Communicate your authority to speak If being introduced or asked for a biography; write a few lines in the 3rd person. You might include relevant experience, your title and qualifications. Tip Be introduced if possible, rather than introduce yourself because it increases your credibility. 2. Use credible sources Refer to credible research using objective information from reputable people and organisations. Explain your case in an impartial way to show you are unbiased. 3. Show you have something in common Use language appropriate to the audience?s field of expertise. Share experiences you have in common. People like others who are similar to themselves.Logos: Use logic and reason
Avoid rambling and vagueness, instead, be logical and clear. 1. Give facts Use evidence in the form of indisputable facts and statistics. Graphs, charts and diagrams are ideal for conveying such information. 2. Use logical argument Ensure that your case makes complete logical sense. Give the rationale behind any recommendations you make. 3. Structure the whole talk in logical steps Use easy-to-follow steps in the flow of your talk. Signpost where you are going to help people follow the journey.Pathos: Appeal to emotions
Use the following methods to trigger emotions that help to convince people of your message. 1. Use stories, analogies, and metaphors Stories fire the imagination and can elicit every kind of emotion. Analogies and metaphors make ideas easy to understand. e.g. ?this a rollercoaster ride.? 2. Use vivid language Bring ideas to life by using vivid language. Paint pictures with your words and you will help the audience to engage emotionally. Help them to see the pictures, hear the sounds and get a feel for what you are talking about. 3. Show powerful pictures A picture can spark an emotional reaction. Think of how people respond to photographs of children or animals.Tips to plan a great talk
1. Give it the personal touch?Designing a presentation without the audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it: ?To whom it may concern? ? ? Ken Haemer, former Presentation Research Manager, AT&T.With that in mind ask yourself: ? Who will be in the audience? ? Why are they attending? ? What are their expectations? ? How many will be there? ? What is their level of knowledge about your topic? ? What might their attitude be towards your talk? Put yourself in their shoes and imagine what they may be thinking and feeling 2. Look beyond your talk The talk is a means to an end. Look beyond your talk to see what outcome you are really trying to achieve as a consequence of it. For example, you might want to be awarded a contract and a presentation to the client is required to make the case. 3. Write a realistic clear objective Write an objective for your talk that, should you achieve it, will enhance the chances of achieving your ultimate outcome. Make sure that the objective is within your control.
Here is an example: By the end of our presentation the client will understand our products and be convinced of their value to their business. This objective is highly likely to be within your control because the client will understand everything if you explain things well.
Go forth and engage your audience using Aristotle
Check that your objective is achievable within the allotted time and with that particular audience. Now you are ready Having got your audience in mind, a clear outcome and objective, now put Aristotle?s three pillars into practice as you plan your presentation. In doing so you will be able to create a talk that includes appeals to the head and also the heart, making a personal connection with your audience. You now have a proven method to convince your audience every time.Share this story