Using ethos, pathos and logos individually, when arguing a point is very effective, but when you combine them together, like the author of my article “Pursuing an Acting Career,” you come out with a very persuasive and effective article. In her article the author uses these three arguments to encourage persuade and inform the reader on the pursuit of a career in the entertainment industry.
Her first argument of how actors should gain exposure through methods that are fair and respectable is an example of ethos. In her article the author gives respectable resources for aspiring actors to get there name and face into the industry. “Actors Access allows you to submit yourself for projects within the city as well as Canada and the West Coast, NY Casting allows you to submit headshots and resumes directly to casting agents and casting directors through their electronics database.” This argument is very effective because it encourages the reader to be ethical for reasons such as credibility and image, which can be crucial in one’s success as a professional actor.
The author uses logical appeal when she encourages aspiring actors to make sure they manage their money right. The author says “a key part of beginning (or transitioning into) your career is insuring your financial stability.” When you are new to any business, if you don’t know the ropes, you can easily be taken advantage of. Many new actors or new to the entertainment industry period, depend on an accountant they hardly know or don’t know at all to take care of their finances. That is how many of them get taken advantage of and end up going broke. The author makes clear that greedy people are not the only threat to your money. Being that acting is not a nine to five job, taxes are what you have to pay attention to. “Once you start your acting career, one of the smartest things you can do for yourself is to hire an accountant that you can trust, you can get a referral from the accountant’s other clients; s/he will be able to tell you which of your expenses are tax-deductible” this argument is very effective because not only will it help save money, no one wants to be in trouble with the IRS.
I would argue that the most effective argument of the three is pathos, especially the way the author uses it in her article. She says, “The director is God. The director will have final say in any play, program, or film you work on. So if you’re going to take on an acting job, be sure you share your director’s vision of the role you’ve been given and of the production as a whole. Check your ego at the door.” This is pathos because it reminds the reader to stay humble. The worst thing for an actor is to have a good opportunity and then have it taken away because of the relationship between the director and the actor going sour. This argument also encourages aspiring actors to be sure of themselves, so they won’t be pushed into doing something that they don’t agree with, for example a nude scene or a scene that encourages drug or some other substance abuse. A career could be ruined or even be prevented from starting because of an actor who is not sure of themselves or is easily influenced.
Not only are the arguments that the author uses effective, but also the way she constructed her article from the problems of a new artist to the problems that will progress as the career does makes for a very influential article. She uses the three arguments ethos, pathos and logos to inform an aspiring actor to be ethical in their approach, business savvy and self assured but humble at the same time. In my opinion the author is more than effective and also informative. I recommend any one that wants to one day become a successful actor and business wo/man consider this article when looking for good resources on how to get started and stay on top.