Ethos, Pathos, Logos, and the Audience

Ethos, pathos, and logos were foreign words to me when we first started talking about them (no pun intended).  I still tend to mix them up sometimes.  It has been very helpful to learn that there are those three elements in a speech or in writing.  When I read a talk or a speech, or listen to one, I notice myself dissecting them to see what authority the person has, and how they present their material to make it worth paying attention to.  Learning of these important tools will make me a better speaker and writer, as long as I choose to use them.  Another important tool that we have learned about is knowing who our audience is.  When we know who we are addressing it is easier to express ourselves.  There is a big difference, if I am talking to one of my grandchildren or a professor at school, on how I present what I have to say.  It is very important to know who our audience is and then use ethos, pathos, and logos according to their needs.