What does "ethos" refer to in public speaking?

Ethos refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker. In public speaking, ethos is crucial because it helps establish the speaker's authority and reliability in the eyes of the audience. When a speaker has strong ethos, the audience is more likely to believe and be persuaded by their message. This can be developed through the speaker's knowledge of the topic, their experience, ethical stance, and how they present themselves. A speaker who demonstrates ethos can effectively build a connection with the audience, making them more receptive to the ideas being presented.