INTRODUCTION TO RHETORIC & ARGUMENT AP English 11 / MS MEYER

RHETORIC – WHAT IS IT? Aristotle's definition: “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” Our definition: meaningful, persuasive argumentation. This can come in many forms  speeches, advertisements, movies, political cartoons, visuals, fiction texts, poetry, and nonfiction (any cultural text). Audience: the people being manipulated. The group who needs to change how they think or feel. Are we the audience?

Become a detective – look for the manipulation Become a detective – look for the manipulation! Don’t be somebody’s ploy! Subject  the topic (in general terms). Do not confuse with purpose. OCCASION  the circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes and events surrounding the text Audience  The listener, viewer, or reader (may have multiple audiences). The speaker needs to relate to them in order to manipulate them.

PURPOSE  the speaker’s goal (you can interpret multiple purposes but always choose one to focus on) Speaker Person who created the text (often has a persona – this is a role the speaker adopts) Tone  the author’s attitude (use emotion words – avoid negative/positive – go deeper). How do you decipher tone? SOAPStone  Always brainstorm with this before you begin writing about a text.

How do authors manipulate? The WAY a text is constructed influences how the text is perceived Style Rhetorical devices (more on this as the year progresses) By appealing to: Our emotions (what does the author want us to feel?) Our sense of logic (does the author’s text make sense?) Our ethics (how does the author appear credible AND how does the author build the moral high-ground?) The best authors will use a mix of all three in one piece. An author uses all three (style, devices, and appeals) to accomplish a purpose.

MANIPULATION IN COMMERCIALS (the more obvious = the weaker the text is) Michelin Tires  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=498z- z7Nieo Pedigree  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ_vc v5I_KA&list=PLngHCyu6kPEC- 1pBBWT3TY3zm8vYzmDpH

Appeals Chart Pathos (Emotion) Logos (Logic) Ethos (Credibility) Humor Facts Celebrity endorsements Anecdotes/stories or testimonials Statistics & data Relevant biographical information Drawing from religion or spirituality Definitions of terms Experience and authority (status) Imagery/vivid descriptions or images Drawing from philosophy & logic Use of credible sources Powerful diction If, then statements Appropriate language Figurative language Cause and effect Appropriate tone Personal connections Counterargument and rebuttal Emphasizing shared values