Which appeal is most associated with an emotional connection to build rapport with an audience?

The appeal most associated with establishing an emotional connection and building rapport with an audience is the appeal to pity. This method taps into the audience's emotions by invoking feelings of compassion or sympathy. For instance, it might highlight the struggles or sufferings of individuals or groups, encouraging the audience to feel empathy and, as a result, become more receptive to the message being delivered.

By eliciting an emotional response, the appeal to pity seeks to align the audience's feelings with the speaker’s message, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. This technique can be particularly powerful in persuasive contexts, as it can motivate individuals to take action or reconsider their views based on the emotional impact of the message.

In contrast, other appeals mentioned do not focus predominantly on emotional resonance. For example, an appeal to flattery seeks to gain favor by complimenting the audience, an appeal to prestige leverages the desire for status and recognition, and an appeal to ridicule uses sarcasm or derision, which may alienate rather than connect with the audience.