What is rhetoric?

One definition for rhetoric: communication with purpose

“Rhetoric’s classic definition as the art of persuasion suggests a power. So much of what we receive from others – from family and friends to 30-second blurbs on TV – is intended to persuade. Recognizing how this is done gives greater power to choose.” -Victor Villaneuva, Jr.

How is rhetoric all around us?

Rhetoric

As a rhetorician, your “task is to … persuade your audience – to see the text the way you see it.” - Christine Alfano

The Rhetorical Triangle Rhetorical Strategies The Rhetorical Triangle

The Rhetorical Triangle Narration Compare/Contrast Example or Illustration Cause and Effect Definition Analogy Description Classification or Division The Rhetorical Triangle

As rhetoricians, we must:

Analyze the Audience Consider the Purpose Pick a Topic

Audience Who is your audience Audience Who is your audience? What will be the most effective means to communicate to that audience?

Purpose Why are you writing. What is your purpose. What is your stance Purpose Why are you writing? What is your purpose? What is your stance? What do you want others to get from your argument? The “So what?!” Test

Topic What topic do you want to write about Topic What topic do you want to write about? How do you feel about the topic? What might be the best topic for your intended audience?

Rhetorical Analysis

A rhetorical analysis takes an in-depth look at textual and visual choices the author has made to persuade his or her audience. (Note: An analysis is not a summary.) When you analyze a text, you’re looking less at what the author is saying and more at how they’re saying it. A rhetorical analysis also is not the place to discuss your own opinions on a topic. This week, we aren’t looking for your thoughts on Obama or football or Sarah Palin or the Twilight series but, rather, how the author communicates his or her ideas on these topics to their audience.

It’s about: - Close, Critical Reading - Clear, Analytical Thinking

Elements to consider in a rhetorical analysis: Audience Purpose Topic Context Organization Title Author Genre and Medium (online vs. in print, etc.) Presentation (font, layout, imagery, etc.) Why did the author make certain choices? Were they successful? Why or why not?