Which strategy involves shifting the focus from a legitimate argument to evoking emotional responses?

The strategy that involves shifting the focus from a legitimate argument to evoking emotional responses is appeal to pity. This tactic seeks to generate sympathy or compassion rather than addressing the actual merits of the argument presented. By invoking feelings of pity, the aim is to persuade the audience to lean towards a particular position based solely on their emotional response, rather than through logical reasoning or factual evidence.

This approach can be effective in swaying opinions because it capitalizes on human emotions, encouraging individuals to react based on their feelings rather than critical analysis. In many cases, this could involve highlighting the suffering or misfortune of individuals to garner support for a cause or viewpoint, diverting attention away from the core issues at hand.

In contrast, the other strategies involve different techniques for persuasion, such as emphasizing practical outcomes or making dubious comparisons, which do not focus primarily on emotional manipulation.