An Introduction to Rhetoric. copyright 2007 James Nelson

Where Do We See Rhetoric? Legal arguments Satire Academic papers Music Creative writing Visual art Commercials Political ads and speeches TV and radio shows Conversation Anywhere communication occurs! copyright 2007 James Nelson 5

Scholarly Definitions of Rhetoric Plato: [Rhetoric] is the "art of enchanting the soul." (The art of winning the soul by discourse.) o Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men. Aristotle: Rhetoric is "the faculty of discovering in any particular case all of the available means of persuasion." Quintillian: "Rhetoric is the art of speaking well. copyright 2007 James Nelson 6

Rhetoric Defined A good rhetorician can resolve conflict without confrontation, persuade others of their position, or move an audience to take action. ***The point is to ALTER the audience s beliefs to move it from POINT A to POINT B with WORDS. copyright 2007 James Nelson 7

Good Rhetoric... Has a context the occasion or the time and place it was written or spoken Has a end goal/purpose a goal that the speaker or writer wants to achieve Understands audience the person or group spoken to Has a thesis (claim; assertion) it is a clear and focused statement copyright 2007 James Nelson 9

Pathos Pathetic appeals are those that seek to elicit an emotional reaction in order to persuade. Often utilize: o Sensory language and imagery o Anecdotes o Euphemisms o Figurative language o Informal language/seeking closeness to audience copyright 2007 James Nelson 17

Logos Gives reasons for supporting a particular argument Includes evidence, facts and figures, anecdotes, testimony. Ideas are related and linked in observable patterns and build logically. copyright 2007 James Nelson 18

How the speaker comes across to the audience A speaker will generally try to appear knowledgeable and likeable. o Personal qualities: intelligence, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, respectability, morality, reputation Ethos copyright 2007 James Nelson 20

Kairos Kairos the opportune moment. The context of a speech of text defines what will constitute effective speech. Kairos-oriented considerations include the following: o Time o Location o Culture o Audience copyright 2007 James Nelson 23

Audience and Decorum Audience Where and to whom a speech or text is directed or presented. o What suits one audience may obviously not suit another Decorum essentially the fittedness or aptness of a presentation to the audience and considerations of kairos copyright 2007 James Nelson 26

More Important Rhetorical Techniques Diction choice of particular words for specific effects Figurative language Parallel structure Symbolism Anastrophe (changes in normal word order) Antithesis (juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas) Consonant and/or dissonant diction copyright 2007 James Nelson 27