I am about to give an annoying example. In Twilight there is a character that controls how the people around him feel. Why do I mention this guy? In chapter nine of thank you for arguing, the main idea is pathos and how important it is to have a sympathetic feeling between the speaker and the audience.
With the power of pathos, the judgment of the audience can be affected. Aristotle believed that emotion came from beliefs and combined the emotional with the rational together.
The author then continues that emotion actually comes from experience and expectation. If we go back to Jasper, his mood controlling abilities were usually more useful when the characters were going through a hectic experience. His ability of controlling the mood eased his audience.
The key is to give the audience the sensation of an experience so you can arouse more emotion.
The best way to do this is by telling a story. Make the story detailed and vivid so that the audience "will think it could happen again." ( Pg 81) Details can be powerful when you want to make someone feel a certain way. This week for example, I've been trying to get my parents to feel bad about making me take the Saber courses. Each day I tell them every detail about how I sit in a chair being taught by some really boring people and describing ever single homework that I have to get done.
Its important not to let your emotions take over, though. Gradually use pathos in your argument and really keep it in check at the beginning when you are just exposing your points. You could use humor since it is a good way to give credit to your ethos and makes for a good way to tap into your audiences emotions. Aside from humor, patriotism, emulation, and anger are also great ways to work your pathos.
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