Kairos

Kairos: Put your audience in the mood.

Extraordinary presenters create a logical argument giving details about why the audience should believe them and buy into their idea. 

Some elements of persuasive strategy:

• Research: The graphs, tables and illustrations that support your argument.

• Claim: The main point of your argument.

• Logos: The logic or rationale of your argument.

• Pathos: The emotional aspect to your argument.

• Ethos: The trustworthiness of your claims. (Experts referred to during a speech.)

• Kairos: The urgency of your argument.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kairos

“a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action : the opportune and decisive moment”

Timing is Key. If it's not the right time for your argument you have to make it the right time. 

When to Use Kairos

To persuade someone of your view, you have to take your audience and the IMMEDIATE context into consideration.

Prime Your Audience and Enhance Your Argument 

Creating good kairos won’t be easy. Think hard about your audience, the times you’re living in, and what message is needed at that particular moment! 

Creating kairos in a narrative:

1. Create an important moment in your story

2. Think hard about your audience and how they might feel about your moment

3. Understand the times you’re living in and how this affects the moment

4. Create a meaningful message about that particular moment

Questions that can help you deploy Kairos:

Have recent events made the issue urgent? (eg. a recently published article, recent elections etc.)

Do I need to show an issue's urgency or make it relevant to the present?

Is there an opening for a new argument on a particular issue?

If not, can I create an opening?

Which arguments receive more/less attention?

Who is making these arguments?