Good Example Of Essay On Rhetorical Situation

Not long ago, I had to persuade my family to provide me with money to purchase a car. My approach was a combination between rhetoric and subtleness, which eventually led to convincing my parents to offer me money to buy the sport car that I wanted. Besides a strong and effective rhetoric that included logical (logos), emotional (pathos) and credibility (ethos) appeal, my method to convince my parents to support my plans to buy a car also took into consideration a rhetorical situation (kairos and topos) that influenced the response to my rhetorical exigence (demand).
Purchasing a car is a major decision and it requires a significant investment, in addition to the responsibility of being a careful driver and taking good care of the car. I knew these aspects before I decided to ask my parents to support me financially in buying a sport car. My exigence – or demand for money to purchase the car that I wanted – started one evening after me and my family finished dinner. Therefore, after the dinner was the timing of the argument, and I chose this moment because both my parents were feeling comfortable and were in a good mood. The place of the argument (topos) was in the kitchen, and I chose this place because it is very cozy, as we always use the kitchen for family communication. I asked my father what did he think about the car that I wanted to purchase, if he thought it was a good and resilient car, and then I also stated my point of view. While my father liked the car, he thought that it is a car that consumes too much carburant. I agreed with him partially, arguing that it only costs a lot for long distances, and also presented other advantages of the car: the youthful design, safety in case of an accident, small dimension, easy to park. Then I explained to both my parents that they would not have to drive me to school if I had a car like that, and they could save a lot of time. These information were part of the appeal to logic (logos), as I gave my parents the needed information so that they consider the car a good choice.
At this point I moved into the emotional appeal (pathos), by explaining to my parents that I had wanted that car for years and that no other car suited me like that car. In addition, I told them that having my own car was very important for me to express my independence and the fact that I can be responsible as an adult. I also informed them that I found a good deal, telling them the price of the car, and comparing it with other cars available on the market, in order to convince them that the offer was good. With this argument I started my credibility plea (ethos), wherein I argued that I would be responsible for all the repairs of the car, and all the paperwork required. I also exemplified cases wherein I showed responsible behavior, such as taking care of my dog, taking him out for his walks and feeding him. I equated this case with the situation of owning my own car, demonstrating that just as I was capable to provide a safe environment in that context, I was capable of keeping the car and myself safe. However, my emotional appeal continued over a longer period. After presenting my rhetorical arguments, they did not take a decision on the spot. I waited for a long time for my parents to bring back the topic. I did not say anything, but my parents knew that I was constantly thinking about the car. Finally, one day my father called me and asked me if I still wanted that car I told him about.
Like this, appealing to logos, ethos and pathos in a comfortable topos (place) and a suitable kairos (timing), my demand (exigence) was successfully met. The key to my success was that I extended my pathos appeal over a longer period, in a subtle, yet, convincing manner.