Learning to deliver our idea from Aristotle

We often discover many ideas that we think may be very important for other people. The problem is, some often take no notice of our idea even if we are very sure that the idea will be accepted. Leadership is somewhat likely to be the answer of this problem. People are more likely to listen someone who has a good leadership. But, there is somehow a problem that is happening even to those who has a very good leadership who is also being ignored. So, what really is the answer of the problem? Well in order to get that answer let us ask Aristotle. Well maybe not literary ask him about it but he actually had had the key of this problem already. The ability of people to convince other person is not about the trait of the person but it is actually about the three means of persuasion.

The first one is Logos which is the quality of the idea and the way of enlightening (v=menerangkan) the idea. It means that we have to be able to understand everything with the idea because people are more influenced if you comprehend (v=memahami) the materials that are integrated in the plan proposed.

The second is Ethos. To understand this, we can refer to a singer who used to be a street musician. When he or she was on the street nobody seem to even bother watching his or her performance but somehow after competing in a reality show singing contest in national television he or she became famous and won that competition. The response appear to be very different between these two situations knowing that the ones performing have the same vocal cord, the same face, and the same person. It is because they have different ethos, which is the reputation. Even though the “logos” have been achieved but the “street” have no reputation on producing a great singer. However the singing competition does.

Back to the idea that you are planning to recommend, it must be stated in the great place that have a reputation related to it. Even you must have the reputation. Having educational background or experience should do it.

After all those two above being accomplished (v=dicapai), the last thing that we need to deliver our idea is Pathos. It is all about the emotional connection between you and the one you want to convince. To be listened you have to make sure that you made a good bond first. Those two above would not work unless liaison  (n=hubungan baik) have been made. Logos, Pathos, Ethos, the idea is nothing without the rest.

This is what we could learn from Aristotle. If you have a great idea how do you build a credibility and emotional connection?

Reference:  Ted-Ed, Lesson Worth Sharing

by Ahmad Akram | Faculty of Engineering | Hasanuddin University