Which fallacy might involve using terror-inducing statements to persuade an audience?

The fallacy that involves using terror-inducing statements to persuade an audience is the Ad Baculum fallacy. This form of argumentation relies on fear or intimidation rather than logical reasoning to sway an audience's opinion. The term "Ad Baculum" translates to "appeal to the stick," which suggests the use of a threat or a form of coercion as a means to garner support or compliance.

In public speaking and persuasion, invoking fear can lead to a powerful emotional response that may cloud the audience's ability to think critically about the issue at hand. Instead of presenting evidence or logical arguments, this fallacy manipulates emotions, pushing the audience toward a particular conclusion based on fear rather than a reasoned evaluation of the facts.

This approach is often counterproductive in healthy discourse, as it tends to suppress individual thought and can lead to divisive or irrational decision-making. By focusing on the fear aspect, the speaker may distract from more relevant arguments or critical reasoning that should underpin a well-formed position. Thus, the Ad Baculum fallacy exemplifies how emotional manipulation through fear can serve as a persuasive tool in rhetoric.