How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Ethopoeia

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Ethopoeia

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Ethopoeia is putting oneself in the place of another, in particular to understand their feelings.

Example

If I were Jane, I'd weep for weeks in anguish for the loss.

How might they feel? What is it like to stand in their shoes and walk that final mile alone?

Discussion

Empathy is a very real effect and mirror neurons in our brains are specifically designed to make us feel what others are feeling.

By showing empathy with one other person, you signal your general good character to all who are listening. In this way, ethopoeia can be used to build trust and demonstrate integrity.

Ethopoeia also allows you to create empathy in other people for the person you are empathizing with. A way this works is as follows:

You connecting to person A
Person B seeing you as being worthy
Person B wanting to be like you
Person B connecting to A, like you

Classification: Emotion