What is the term for a rhetorical approach that evokes strong emotion by invoking the audience's sympathy?

The term that describes a rhetorical approach designed to evoke strong emotions by eliciting sympathy from the audience is known as the Appeal to Pity. This technique involves presenting situations or arguments that are likely to stir feelings of compassion, sorrow, or empathy, thereby influencing the audience's opinions or reactions based on emotional rather than logical grounds.

In using an Appeal to Pity, a speaker might share personal stories, portray someone as a victim, or highlight injustices that prompt the audience to feel sympathy and potentially align with the speaker's viewpoint. This method is effective because it leverages the audience's emotions, often making them more receptive to the message being conveyed.

Other rhetorical strategies, while they may also invoke emotions, focus on different aspects. For example, the Folksy Appeal seeks to establish rapport through familiarity and warmth, the Appeal to Fear aims to provoke anxiety or fear regarding potential negative outcomes, and the Appeal to Consequences highlights the results of a particular action or belief. However, the distinguishing feature of the Appeal to Pity is its primary focus on evoking sympathetic feelings to persuade the audience.