One might
tend to use syllogisms to prove there point. Although this might seem like a
good idea to prove a point since it is the most direct way to use logic it can
also pack fire you. Syllogism are the way in which you should thinks and that
the argument should be set out but they are not the way in which the logic
should be delivered. Making your audience think they are intellectually inferior
might cause them to take a stance and generate a feeling of rejection for any
idea that you propose. If a person reaches this state, it will be very difficult
for you to convince them since they will close their mind to your new ideas and
options. This is where enthymemes come in. They provide an equally direct but less
obvious way of delivering the logic. By using enthymemes, you are assuming your
audience is somewhat knowledgeable on the topic. For the audience it will appear
as if you treat them like equal, not as inferiors.
One of the
best ways to use logic through enthymemes is by either proving or simply stating
a premise. This will add credibility to the argument and prove that your ideas
are not recalls but have some support from will know facts of commonplaces. This
will make the audience belief the argument not only because you said it or because
the logic behind it but because it is supporting but facts that are credible and
accepted. As Heinrichs says it: “You can already see that logos mean more than
just logic.”(p.123) Logos is about using commonplaces and facts to prove a
point. The best way to do this is by an effective use of enthymemes and always be prepared for a knowledgeable audience.
