Question

Listeners determine a speaker's credibility or ethos by ascertaining:

a) The speaker's emotional appeal
b) The speaker's use of humor
c) The speaker's expertise, trustworthiness, and goodwill
d) The speaker's vocal variety and pitch

Answer 1

Listeners assess a speaker's ethos by examining their expertise, trustworthiness, and goodwill, which are essential in establishing their credibility and ethical appeal.

Step-by-step explanation:

Listeners determine a speaker's credibility or ethos by ascertaining the speaker's expertise, trustworthiness, and goodwill. Ethos, as a rhetorical term, is crucial in establishing the speaker's authority and character, making the audience view them as credible. This concept is often reflected in how well the speaker presents their credentials, shares relevant personal experiences, cites reliable sources, and resonates with the ethical concerns of the audience. Establishing a commonality between the speaker and the audience, reflecting fair and neutral language, and invoking respected authorities or texts are other ways speakers can establish ethos in their discourse.