What is ethos?
The term can loosely be defined as the “ethical appeal” an author is able to
produce. However, this is an inadequate attempt at fully encompassing the true
meaning of ethos. More common than not, an author is faced with the challenge
of connecting to his or her audience. This can be done through self-disclosure
and tone of voice. According to
George H. Williams of the USC Upstate English Program, “Ethos" is used to describe the audience's perception of the
[author’s] credibility or authority. The audience asks themselves, "What
does this person know about this topic?" (Williams). In order to connect
with an audience, the author must first establish a sense of trustworthiness,
otherwise known as a clear and apparent form of ethos.
This is what I was asked to do in my ENGL 1213 class, as I
searched for my own ethos in writing arguments. The course assignments varied
in topic and purpose, yet one common factor existed among the group. This
connecting factor was discovering my ethos as a writer. As the semester
progressed, I was able to examine my work and participate in developing my
credibility and persuasive techniques.
As I reflect upon my first writing
assignment, I notice my ethos is somewhat lacking. Although I do refer to
myself as a “tech savvy diva” I do not offer any additional reasoning as to why
my voice should be heard, let alone establish a sense of who I am. As I proceed
in my writing, I do disclose information about my relationship to my mother,
and her tendencies by saying I “[have] a
mother who constantly feels the need to be updated on [my] every possible
action of the day” (Bradshaw). In doing so, I offer up an aspect of my personal
life in which I hope my audience will connect to.
It
is clear that in my first writing assignment, I did not fully succeed in establishing
an apparent ethos, although I did disclose personal information. I managed to
reveal additional information including what sites contribute to my online
identity, such as my “involvement in a social media” known as “Facebook”. In
addition, I informed my readers of where I come from in my opening paragraph as
I state, I was standing “in the middle of the Willowbend mall in Plano, Texas”
(Bradshaw). This allows my audience to associate me with a cultural group of
which I belong to.
In my second writing assignment, I was asked to “offer an explanation for a particular
event or phenomenon caused from the advancement of new information
communication technologies.” It is with this prompt which I feel the most
confident in my work. I was able to deal with this prompt in examining the affects
of the posting of the KONY 2012 video on Facebook, relating to activism. As
I observe my text, I am confident in my credibility as I reference many
sources, including the founding organization known as “Invisible Children.” I am particularly
proud of my conclusion as to how I explain the human nature related to such
phenomenon:
“The simple task such as clicking a “like” or “share” button may
make up for the other areas in humanity in which we feel incompetent to fix.
Lacking the means to make a difference, we trick ourselves into thinking that
this simple act in a virtual world justifies our absence in the real issues. It
is because of this complex that social movements such as Kony 2012 erupt in
popularity in the early stages of their life span. With the technological
advances available, it makes this second-hand activism more accessible and
appealing than taking any real stand on the matter” (Bradshaw).
It is this rationalization, which seems to be an extension of
myself. This idea of human nature exists in my own thoughts, which I then
continued to reproduce in my text. It is because of this confession that I am
most confident in this particular written work. As I feel I have accurately
expressed my ethos and established a reliable credibility to my name. I
projected a sense of enlightenment and feel confident that this idea can be
perceived and understood by my readers.
As I reflect upon my experience in ENGL 1213, I am able to
recognize a progression in the quality and confidence I exude in my work. Although
I am not completely satisfied with my writing, I do feel as though I can see an
improvement from the start of the semester. While I have gained a greater sense
of what it means to succeed in writing arguments, I still realize the need for
improvement. Writing should constantly be a work in progress, continuously
evolving with each new thought. Just as you begin with an idea, and transform
it into an outline, rough draft, and eventually a final draft, so should your
ethos as an author.
Williams, George H., Dr.
"Ethos-Pathos-Logos-The-3-Rhetorical-Appeals." Dr. Williams : USC
Upstate : English Program /. PB Works, 22 July 2009. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.
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