The correct answer is the appeal to the character and reputation of the speaker, known as ethos. Ethos revolves around the credibility, trustworthiness, and moral character of the speaker. It is crucial in public speaking because an audience is more likely to be persuaded by a speaker who is perceived as knowledgeable and ethical. When a speaker successfully establishes ethos, they foster a sense of reliability, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of their message.
In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects of persuasion. Pathos pertains to emotional appeals, aiming to elicit feelings from the audience to sway them. Logos refers to logical appeals, emphasizing reason and evidence to support arguments. Mythos involves storytelling and cultural narratives to connect with audiences on a deeper level. While these elements contribute to effective communication, ethos specifically targets the speaker's character, making it the correct response to the question.