What term describes the use of emotions like love, hate, or prejudice to elicit a response from an audience?

The term that describes the use of emotions such as love, hate, or prejudice to elicit a response from an audience is emotional appeal. This persuasive technique focuses on affecting the audience's feelings rather than relying solely on logical arguments or factual evidence. By tapping into the audience's emotions, a speaker can inspire them to take action, align with their point of view, or strengthen their connection to the topic being discussed.

Emotional appeal can be particularly effective because it resonates at a personal level, making the message more memorable and impactful. When a speaker effectively harnesses emotions, they can create a powerful response that reinforces their message and engages the audience more deeply.

This approach is distinct from other options. For instance, egocentrism refers to a focus on oneself, which can hinder effective communication. Regionalism is related to cultural or geographical influences in language or expression, and evaluative listening involves critically assessing information rather than responding to emotional prompts. Thus, emotional appeal is the most relevant term for the use of emotions to engage an audience.