Final answer:
An appeal to logic, or logos, is focused on using rational arguments and credible evidence to persuade an audience. Emotional appeals, or pathos, target the audience's emotions. Understanding the audience is crucial in crafting persuasive arguments.
Step-by-step explanation:
An appeal to logic, or logos, is focused on using rational arguments and credible evidence to persuade an audience. By stating your position clearly and supporting it with critical thinking and facts, you demonstrate your understanding of sound reasoning and appeal to the audience's intelligence. For example, when discussing the need for additional police to defend the Capitol, you could present your argument in a straightforward and understandable way, avoiding complex vocabulary that might alienate your audience.
On the other hand, emotional appeals, or pathos, target the audience's emotions, such as fear, sympathy, or love. While emotions can be powerful tools of persuasion, they are less effective in establishing a logical conclusion. Therefore, most audiences are more likely to be persuaded through a logical appeal rather than an appeal to emotions.
Understanding your audience is crucial in crafting persuasive arguments. In academic settings, your audience is typically someone who is intelligent and knowledgeable about the subject but may not initially agree with your position. Therefore, it is important to provide clear claims and evidence, avoiding assumptions that your audience knows what you are thinking. By considering your audience's attention, intelligence, self-esteem, and age, you can adjust your persuasive strategies accordingly.