Which type of appeal is most concerned with credibility and trustworthiness in public speaking?

The correct answer is the ethical appeal, which refers to the speaker's ability to convey credibility and trustworthiness to the audience. Ethical appeal, often associated with the Greek term "ethos," emphasizes the character and integrity of the speaker. When a speaker establishes ethical appeal, they demonstrate their qualifications, experiences, and ethical standards, which helps to create a bond of trust with the audience. This trust is crucial as it influences how the audience perceives the speaker's message and augments the effectiveness of the overall presentation.

Ethical appeal is foundational to public speaking because it ensures that the audience feels confident in the information being presented. A speaker perceived as credible is more likely to persuade the audience to accept their arguments or viewpoints, making this form of appeal essential for impactful communication.

In contrast, emotional appeal relies on affecting the audience's feelings to elicit a response, while logical appeal focuses on using reason and evidence to persuade, neither of which primarily hinges on the speaker's credibility. Personal appeal, although it might involve some elements of connection with the audience, does not specifically emphasize trustworthiness in the same way that ethical appeal does.