The Five canons of rhetoric

Origins of the 5 canons Both Greeks and Romans had a strong interest in argument and persuasion. The five canons of rhetoric first appear in Cicero’s writing in the first century. Obviously, these canons have survived and are very influential. The five canons are: Invention Arrangement Style Memory Delivery inventi

invention This means you FIND ways to persuade. Think cause-effect and comparison. This is tied to logos – meaning in this case the focus is on WHAT the speaker says rather than HOW it is being said.

arrangement This is HOW you coherently structure the argument. Think about the following: Intro Statement of facts Evidence/Proof Refutation Conclusion

style This is the ability to PRESENT the argument to stir emotions (ahhh…pathos!). Think of the following when working with HOW you are putting together your work. Figurative language Grammatical elements Appeals Who is your audience?

memory Speaking without having to prepare – you remember it! Think about: What do you know? What can you improv if needed?

delivery This is making use of effective use of voice and gesture. Think about: Rhetorical appeals Speeches! What goes into how you effectively deliver a speech? Consider both verbals and nonverbals.