The Timeless Triangle—Aristotle’s Ancient Key to Effective Communication

The character of the speaker, the emotional state of the audience, and the logical structure of the argument form Aristotle’s classic communication triangle.

Plato (center left) and Aristotle (center right), detail from "School of Athens" by Raphael.Public domain

Whether trying to convince an employer to hire you, persuade investors to bankroll your business, prompt customers to purchase a product, or shape judgement in a court of law or the arena of public opinion, compelling rhetoric is key.

Rhetoric is an ancient art of using language to persuade, inform, or motivate an audience, and in many ways, a person’s rhetorical skills play an important role in their effectiveness and success in life.