Aristotle was a Greek Philosopher. He was also the teacher of Alexander the Great. Aristotle model is a linear communication model which was made for public speaking or oral communication. You can say this model emphasize more on public speaking than on interpersonal communication. This model is considered as the first model of communication and was proposed before 300 B.C.
While exploring the human nature scientifically, Aristotle developed this model and he mainly focused on speaker and speech as it is a speaker oriented model. Speaker has the most important role in this model whereas the role of audience is passive. It can be broadly divided into five elements: Speaker, Speech, Occasion, Audience and Effect. According to target audience and situation (Occasion), the speaker prepares his speech accordingly.
Some points to remember during preparation of speech by speaker
- Carefully selection of words
- Analyse the audience
- Assume the right body language
- Ensure proper eye contact
- Ensure voice modulation
Examples to understand Aristotle’s Model
A politician (speaker) gives a speech to get votes from the civilians (audiences) at the time of election (occasion). It was highly used model in order to develop public speaking skills and create propaganda at that time but there is no concept of feedbacks in this model.
The Rhetoric Triangle
- Rhetoric is the study of communication and persuasion and different message or speech should be made for different audiences at different situations to get desired effects or to establish propaganda.
- The rhetoric triangle consists of three convincing strategies, to be used in direct communication situations.
- It is a method to organise and distinguish the three elements of rhetoric.
- He gave three elements that must be presented in a good communicator or public speaker—Ethos, Pathos and Logos.
Ethos
Ethos is the characteristic which makes you credible in front of the audience.
Ethos is about the writer or speaker’s credibility and degree of authority. For example- The public is not going to listen anything from the politician who is corrupt but if he is known for good deeds than his speech will be heard by everyone.
Pathos
The literal translation of pathos is emotion. Emotional Bonds make the audience captivated and audience feel that the speaker is one of their own people.
For example- If people of state need ‘stop domestic violence’ in their own state but the politician tell them that he will help in building roads; the people will not get influenced but might be influenced if he says he will close the selling of wine shop completely in their state.
Logos
Logos is logic. People find logic in everything. You must present facts and statistics to the audience for them to believe in you.
For example- A Presenter using factual data in an awareness program will attract the audience’s and will make them believe in the need of awareness in the particular matter.
Source-
- https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/aristotles-model-communication
- https://www.toolshero.com/communication-skills/aristotle-model-of-communication/
