Blog Post 4: Rhetoric and interviewing

The main thing I learned from looking at rhetoric in terms of the top 100 speeches is the importance of appealing to all three facets (logos, ethos, and pathos). I consider myself a logical person, therefore a majority of my arguments thrive on logos, and lack ethos or pathos. Understanding the importance of using all three may be very helpful in my pursuit of many things.

For example, when interviewing for my first coaching position it will be beneficial to address all three elements. I can establish ethos by pointing out my playing experience from the age of 8, progressing through different levels and peaking at the Texas Tech club team. I can point out my coaching licenses and coaching experience. I typically do not enjoy establishing ethos in this fashion. I have a desire to move forward, and discuss the things I plan to do, but for many this experience is crucial to their decision.

I can establish pathos with possible stories of my triumphs over injuries, my decision to play high level soccer after a long four year hiatus, stories of kids I have enjoyed watching progress. Again, these are things I may have left out of the interview process hoping to focus solely on my knowledge, ethics, and plan. But many individuals enjoy hearing these types of stories and as long as they are kept short, they could be beneficial to my argumentation for a new hire.

Then I can appeal naturally to the logos. I can point out my desired formations, adaptations, game plans, and strategies. I can point out my ethical base, and desire to lead by example. I can point out my short-term and long-term goals, making analogies and comparisons to teams I have seen perform well. By appealing to all three facets of rhetoric rather than solely the logical, I can strengthen my argument and hopefully end up in a better situation.