Here's why:
* Ethos is the credibility or character of the speaker. It's about building trust with the audience by demonstrating your knowledge, expertise, and good intentions.
* Personal experience lends credibility because it shows you've lived through what you're talking about. It makes your arguments more relatable and believable.
Let's break down how this works:
* Knowledge & Expertise: Sharing your personal experience demonstrates that you have firsthand knowledge of the topic.
* Good Intentions: When you speak from personal experience, it often reveals a genuine concern for the subject matter and a desire to share your insights.
Example: A speaker advocating for better mental health resources shares their own experience with anxiety and depression, making their argument more compelling and relatable.
Remember, while personal experience is powerful, it's important to balance it with other rhetorical appeals like logos (logic) and pathos (emotion) for a well-rounded argument.