Rhetorical Analysis Rhetorical Analysis A Guide to Understanding How Rhetoric Can Help You As a Reader & Writer

What Is Rhetoric? The term rhetoric refers to the use of language to present ideas, information, & argumentation The term rhetoric refers to the use of language to present ideas, information, & argumentation Rhetoric is often associated with persuasive speech, oration, or a particular style of speaking or writing Rhetoric is often associated with persuasive speech, oration, or a particular style of speaking or writing Rhetoric can also be defined as a form of verbal or written communication or discourse Rhetoric can also be defined as a form of verbal or written communication or discourse According to Aristotle, rhetoric is "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion." According to Aristotle, rhetoric is "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion."

Rhetorical Triangle

Rhetorical Sensitivity Rhetorical sensitivity occurs when writers “determine the most effective ways to communicate with readers” (Ede 40). Rhetorical sensitivity occurs when writers “determine the most effective ways to communicate with readers” (Ede 40). Activity: (5-7 minutes) Activity: (5-7 minutes) Page 40 of textbook Page 40 of textbook Groups of 4-5 Groups of 4-5 Each group will be assigned one type of text Each group will be assigned one type of text Groups answer questions in activity directions Groups answer questions in activity directions Choose a reader, reporter, time keeper, and respondents Choose a reader, reporter, time keeper, and respondents

Primary Rhetorical Forms Ethos is appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author. Ethos is appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author. Logos is appeal based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are often logos-driven, as are scholarly or academic books & articles. Logos is appeal based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are often logos-driven, as are scholarly or academic books & articles. Pathos is appeal based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven. Pathos is appeal based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven. See page 51 in textbook See page 51 in textbook

Rhetorical Triangle

Other Rhetorical Appeals Rhetorical appeals can also be achieved through: Rhetorical appeals can also be achieved through: Visual Information Structure—this includes how the text looks and is presented. Example: titles, headings, navigation, etc. Visual Information Structure—this includes how the text looks and is presented. Example: titles, headings, navigation, etc. Color—this includes the color of the text, the background, and graphics. The contrast of the colors of each of these items is also important. Color—this includes the color of the text, the background, and graphics. The contrast of the colors of each of these items is also important. Graphic Images—this includes other information in the document aside from the text. Example: icons, buttons, and photos. Graphic Images—this includes other information in the document aside from the text. Example: icons, buttons, and photos.

Analyzing Rhetoric When you engage in rhetorical analysis, you study the ways in which a writer uses language and other rhetorical appeals to convey ideas & information When you engage in rhetorical analysis, you study the ways in which a writer uses language and other rhetorical appeals to convey ideas & information Consider the following: Consider the following: Audience Audience Word choice Word choice Tone Tone Organization Organization Narrative Structure Narrative Structure Argumentation & Persuasion Techniques Argumentation & Persuasion Techniques

Questions What are some examples of texts we have read thus far that use one or more of the rhetorical appeals we just discussed? What are some examples of texts we have read thus far that use one or more of the rhetorical appeals we just discussed? Why is studying rhetorical devices important? Why is studying rhetorical devices important? How might studying rhetorical devices help you become a critical reader and writer? How might studying rhetorical devices help you become a critical reader and writer? What aspects of rhetorical analysis do you have questions about? What aspects of rhetorical analysis do you have questions about?

Works Cited Ede, Lisa. (2011). The Academic Writer. Ede, Lisa. (2011). The Academic Writer. Image: = /triangle1.gif&imgrefurl Image: = /triangle1.gif&imgrefurl Image: hion/01ONLINE.html?ref=technology Image: hion/01ONLINE.html?ref=technology