The rhetoric is defined as, “discovering all possible means of persuasion”. There are inartistic proofs, evidence that the speaker doesn’t create, and artistic proofs, evidence that the speaker does create. There are three different types of artistic proofs: logical, ethical, and emotional.

Ethical proof is known as perceived credibility which is derived from knowing the intelligence, character, and goodwill of the speaker. These characteristics are key in having a speaker that really connects with the audience and really wants their message to be heard. Having intelligence means that the audience can make a connection between their own beliefs and what the speakers message is. Character is shown by being a good and honest person. Finally, goodwill is having the audience’s best interest at heart.

In this episode of One Tree Hill, Karen is fighting for Coach Whitey to still be the head coach of the Ravens basketball team against the town’s mayor, Dan Scott, who happens to be the father of her son. She is known as a very kind cafe owner who has grown up in the town of Tree Hill her whole life. Having known Coach Whitey her whole life and attending this high school she is seen as very knowledgeable about the subject at hand. The audience definitely agrees with what she has to say and we can see that through their body language of shaking their heads in agreement. Karen genuinely cares for the well being of the town and Coach Whitey through the charismatic words she uses in her speech.

Karen displays all three characteristics of being a credible source, just like the ethical proof calls for.

https://docs.google.com/a/wfu.edu/file/d/0B3TFGVb5Zd5IYUw4Z29lSW9fX3M/edit