an introduction to RHETORIC adapted from THE LANGUAGE OF COMPOSITION by SHEA, SCANLON and AUFSES

DEFINING RHETORIC an introduction to RHETORIC When have you heard the word “rhetoric”? What do we know about it going into this lecture?

DEFINING RHETORIC an introduction to RHETORIC Aristotle defined RHETORIC as “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” Okay Aristotle, but what does that mean? Any ideas?

DEFINING RHETORIC an introduction to RHETORIC In other words... a thoughtful and reflective activity that leads to effective communication, including a rational exchange of opposing viewpoints or opinions. Basically, if you master the art of rhetoric you will be an effective speaker, writer and all-around communicator and will have the ability to converse about potentially complicated and controversial topics with reason, calm, and intelligence.

DEFINING RHETORIC an introduction to RHETORIC Rhetoric is always situational, meaning it has a context (a time and place in which it takes place) and a purpose or a goal that the writer hopes to achieve through it. The context of the piece and the purpose are directly related to one another. For example, a speech is written for a certain purpose that is influenced by the time and place in which the speech will be given.

the RHETORICAL triangle Speaker Audience Subject The interaction between the speaker (writer), audience (reader) and the subject determine the purpose, language and structure of a written work.

Rhetorical Analysis The SPEAKER decides what SUBJECT he is going to write about and then determines what his POSITION or ARGUMENT is in relation to that subject. ARGUMENT = THESIS = CLAIM = ASSERTION THESIS = a clear and focused statement; the main argument/point of the work When developing his ARGUMENT and THESIS, the speaker must take into account his AUDIENCE as well. If he does not understand his audience he risks being ineffective in getting them to accept his argument.

Mastering RHETORIC as WRITERS We often think of rhetorical analysis as something we do when we READ, but we should also consider it as we WRITE. We choose a subject - usually based on a prompt. We evaluate what we know about this subject and what we want to say about it - thesis. We determine what others have said about the subject, based on research or textual analysis. From this, we compile the evidence that will develop/support our position/argument/thesis.

a word about the SPEAKER We should not assume that a speaker is “speaking” or writing as himself. A writer often creates a PERSONA to voice his work. This PERSONA suites the work’s context, subject, purpose and audience better than the writer as himself might. Examples: Are you speaking as a student, a child, or a concerned adolescent in your community? Would your choice of language (diction), tone, and style change depending on your persona?

the APPEALS an introduction to RHETORIC ONE of the strategic choices a writer makes when deciding how he will persuade his audience is how he will appeal to their ETHOS, PATHOS, AND LOGOS. DISCLAIMER: Ethos, Pathos and Logos are only three of the ways a writer can use rhetorical strategies. While it is important to understand these and be able to recognize and discuss their use, you must also understand and discuss the strategies (tone, anecdotes, figurative language, repetition to name a few) that a writer uses to affect the audience in these ways. The appeals are not where the conversation ends.

ETHOS an introduction to RHETORIC ESTABLISHES TRUST AND CREDIBILITY OF THE SPEAKER/AUTHOR May be based on reputation, expertise, education, experience. The audience wants to believe and some cases agree with the author’s argument because they trust him/her. Can you think of an example of an appeal to Ethos from last week’s drug video?

LOGOS an introduction to RHETORIC USE OF REASON AND CLEAR, RATIONAL IDEAS (LOGIC) TO SUPPORT THE ARGUMENT Use of specific details, examples, statistical data, expert testimony, facts, and/or logical thinking to support a clear thesis. Many times a writer will mention a counterargument to appeal to logos - this shows he is so sure of his argument that he is willing to concede that an opposing view exists, but then has evidence to refute even that.

PATHOS an introduction to RHETORIC AN APPEAL TO THE AUDIENCE’S EMOTIONS While this is not the most effective tool when it comes to ultimately changing people’s minds, it is effective in drawing them in and getting them to listen. Includes use of emotional diction (+/- connotations), anecdotes, emphasis, choice of narrator/speaker/point of view, figurative language, etc. An appeal to pathos alone = propaganda. Advertisers depend on pathos often, especially when employing visual elements.

that’s a wrap for now an introduction to RHETORIC STILL MORE TO LEARN, BUT THIS IS A WORTHY START. TONIGHT FOR HOMEWORK: REVIEW AND REVISE YOUR NOTES - Write questions in the left margin, add words/ideas to clarify the notes you took, highlight/underline (in a different color) key words and important ideas.