Final answer:
Appealing to the reader's emotions is a technique in persuasive writing and speaking that aims to invoke empathy or other responses, but must be balanced with logical reasoning. Emotional appeals should not be used manipulatively and should complement rather than replace logical arguments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Appealing to the reader's emotions is a known tactic in persuasive writing and speaking. Such an emotional appeal can target a variety of feelings, ranging from fear and pity to love and compassion. This strategy is meant to invoke empathy or other emotional responses in the audience to bolster the persuader's argument. It's a way to connect with the audience on a human level and can be highly effective in persuading them to see a situation from the speaker's or writer's perspective.
However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of using emotional appeals heavily depend on the context and the audience's disposition. In some cases, appealing to emotions may be perceived as manipulative, especially if it is done excessively or in place of logical reasoning. It's important to balance emotional appeal with factual and logical arguments to ensure that the persuasion is ethical and credible.
When considering the central route to persuasion, where deep processing of information is involved, the audience needs to be analytical and motivated to engage with the argument at a substantive level. Thus, emotional appeals alone cannot replace logical reasoning but should complement it to create a well-rounded persuasive message.