What is 'ethos' in public speaking?

Ethos refers to the credibility or ethical appeal of the speaker, which is essential in establishing trust with the audience. When a speaker presents themselves as knowledgeable, fair, and ethical, they enhance their ethos, thereby making their message more persuasive. A strong ethos assures the audience that the speaker is reliable and that their arguments are grounded in authenticity. This credibility can be built through demonstrating expertise, sharing personal stories, or expressing a sincere commitment to the subject matter. In public speaking, effective use of ethos can connect the speaker to the audience, fostering engagement and increasing the likelihood that the audience will accept the speaker's message. The other concepts in the choices focus on emotional appeal, logical reasoning, or structural elements of a speech, which, while important, are not the defining characteristics of ethos.