Characteristics

Most well-known speakers possess all three characteristics. In many cases the perceived strength is individual to the speech itself more than the individual speakers. As focused upon in a majority of the chapter public speeches are directed and written in the audience in mind. One speech may show stronger characteristics in power and the next given by the same speaker may be stronger in credibility because they felt the particular audience would relate better to one characteristic over the other. It also seems in modern times, where a lot of speeches are written by people other than the person who is actually delivering it, the speaker is chosen specifically to cater to the attractiveness characteristic. Whether it be because they are an expert in the area or because more people will want to listen to a perceived attractive person talk about beauty products than someone who may not seem beautiful by societal standards. I think the best ways to build ethos is to be knowledgeable in the topic you are speaking towards and to follow up your words with supporting actions in your life. In other words, practice what you preach.