Rhetoric basics: speaking persuasively

In short: Rhetoric is the art of effective speech. Aristotle already distinguished three means of persuasion: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotions) and logos (arguments).

In more detail: A good speech is clearly structured, understandable and tailored to the audience.

In detail

• Structure: Introduction, main part with arguments, conclusion with key message.
• Logos: Evidence, examples, logic (trugschluesse-erkennen).
• Ethos: Competence, honesty, presence.
• Pathos: Stories and images arouse emotions without manipulating.
• Voice and body language: Pace, pauses, eye contact, gestures.
• Rhetorical devices: Repetition, tricolon, comparison, rhetorical question.
• Stage fright: Practise, breathe deeply, seek contact with the audience.
• Listening: Good speakers listen (aktives-zuhoeren).