In persuasive speech, which appeal is grounded in the speaker's honesty and credibility (ethos)?

• A. Empathetic listening
• B. Emotional appeal
• C. Ethical "personal" appeal
• D. Euphemism

Answer: (C)

Ethos is the appeal that rests on the speaker’s honesty and credibility. In persuasive speaking, audiences are more convinced when they trust the speaker—believing in their competence, character, and goodwill. The ethical "personal" appeal fits this best because it centers on who the speaker is and how trustworthy they come across, often through citing qualifications, showing fairness, or acknowledging limitations. Empathetic listening describes how listeners engage with the message, not a persuasive appeal. An emotional appeal targets the audience’s feelings (pathos) rather than the speaker’s credibility. A euphemism is a language choice used to soften wording, not a credibility-based appeal.