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Yesterday was a beautiful day--it was so warm that I spotted a few ice cream trucks puttering down the roads selling ice cream to little kids. Here is what I noticed about the argument that the ice cream salesperson was presenting.
Argument: It is a nice warm day, come buy some ice cream!
Audience: Kids of course.
How the argument is made:
Ethos- Certain ice cream brand names. Official little business called "grandpa's ice cream."
Pathos- The music was happy and loud enough for all kids within a ten block radius to hear it...very persuasive. The truck was brightly colored, and the menu was right at kid height with the specialty ice creams (expensive ones) larger and more brightly colored than the rest. Inspired trust in both kids and parents because the company name was "grandpa's ice cream." Grandpas are sweet and friendly, so of course people would want ice cream from a grandpa. There was actually even a little old grandpa-like man driving the van...it was pretty funny. The appearance inspired trust.
Logos- The argument seems pretty logical to children...it is hot, ice cream vans are fun, my parents have money, we get to chase after it....lets go!!! The arguments for parents and other adults, not so convincing...expensive ice cream from a loud slow driving source that I have to chase after....I can just go to a normal store and get ice cream for way cheaper, and it won't have to come in some weird Cartoon character shape...
S-seems to work, so I suppose it is sufficient for the intended audience.
T- yes... typical.
A-accurate-yes, especially since they only generally come out on hot sunny days.
R-Very relevant to kids, especially when ice cream trucks are so fun, and ice cream is so good.