Here's why:
* Pathos is an appeal to emotion. It aims to connect with the audience's feelings, values, and beliefs.
* Slang is informal language used within a particular group or region. It can:
* Create a sense of familiarity and belonging: Using slang can make you seem relatable and down-to-earth, fostering a sense of connection with your audience.
* Evoke specific emotions: Certain slang terms have strong emotional connotations. "Epic fail" evokes disappointment and humor. "Lit" conveys excitement and energy.
* Reinforce a persona: Slang can help you establish a certain persona, like a rebellious teenager, a confident leader, or a witty friend.
Example:
Imagine a speaker trying to connect with a young audience about environmental issues. Instead of saying, "We need to be more mindful of our impact on the planet," they might use slang like, "We need to chill out on the pollution, yo." This slang creates a more casual, relatable tone, potentially appealing to the audience's sense of responsibility and community.
However, using slang also comes with risks:
* It can be exclusionary: If your audience doesn't understand the slang, it can alienate them.
* It can be unprofessional: In formal settings, slang is often inappropriate.
In conclusion, slang is a tool that can be used to create pathos if used strategically. It's important to be aware of your audience and the context when deciding whether or not to use slang.