rhetoric : the art or skill of speaking or writing formally and effectively especially as a way to persuade or influence people
RULES FOR TAKING NOTES Cornell Notes Style Preferred Write down information in RED FONT
Understanding Rhetoric & Elements of Argument Argument is not simply a dispute, as when people disagree with one another or shout at each other Argument is about making a case in support of a claim in everyday affairs—in science, in policy making, in school, in courtrooms, and so forth
Argument VS. Persuasion Persuasion and argument are often used interchangeably- let’s clarify the difference! Persuasion is a broad term, which includes many tactics designed to move people to a position, a belief, or a course of action. Persuasion relies much less on facts (logos) and more on emotions (pathos). Argument is a specific kind of persuasion based on the principles of logic and reasoning (logos).
The Importance of Argument and Persuasion In everyday life… Appealing a grade, asking for a raise, applying for a job, negotiating the price of a new car, arguing in traffic court In academic life… Defending your ideas, engaging intellectual debate On the job… Getting people to listen to your ideas, winning buy-in, getting your boss to notice, getting cooperation, moving people to action http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=greenpea ce+lego+shell&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid =30AD12BC5A0AF1136D3F30AD12BC5A0AF113 6D3F
The Importance of Argument and Persuasion In writing… Irrefutably making your point, writing to be read In reading and listening… Critically evaluating other’s arguments, protecting yourself from unethical persuasive tactics, recognizing faulty reasoning when you see it. TO CREATE CHANGE/AWARENESS
Analyzing Argument In an argument essay, the writer selects evidence, and uses logical appeal to structure an argument to prove a position on a topic. The single purpose is to argue a position and defend it with evidence in any discipline. When you evaluate an argument or set of claims, you determine its value or persuasiveness.
Identifying “HOW” In order to analyze OR create argumentative texts, we must first be able to understand HOW authors are able to speak/write formally and effectively in order to persuade or influence people (definition of rhetoric) When identifying/analyzing HOW any argument is crafted- you must conduct a “rhetorical analysis”
Writer/Speaker (Ethos) Rhetorical Triangle While reading & analyzing arguments, address these 5 rhetorical elements: Audience (Pathos) Rhetorical Context Purpose Add five elements of the rhetorical triangle: writer, audience, message, purpose & rhetorical context. Writer/Speaker (Ethos) Message (Logos)
Writer’s Purpose While reading or writing an argument, identify the purpose of the communication – this is the rhetorical goal. In other words, what is the author trying to achieve in his or her message?
How to Achieve Your Goal When any author sets out to accomplish a goal/purpose, they MUST consider the other aspects of the rhetorical triangle (if they do not do this, they may create a weak argument) Audience (Pathos) Rhetorical Context Purpose Add five elements of the rhetorical triangle: writer, audience, message, purpose & rhetorical context. Writer/Speaker (Ethos) Message (Logos)
Rhetorical Context is the political, historical, social, cultural, and economic setting for a particular idea or event. In order to better understand the rhetoric, readers must look at its context--those things which surround it in time and place and give it its meaning.
Audience (Pathos) While reading/writing, identify who the intended or target audience is. Consider the rhetorical context when identifying this. As a writer, you must ask, “What values and belief do I appeal to in the audience? How can I engage both the audience’s heart and mind?” To have your message accepted by an audience, the writer should try to appeal to their emotions, which is why the audience is often linked with pathos in the rhetorical triangle.
Writer/Speaker (Ethos) While reading, identify what the writer is using to build credibility and trust with their audience. Consider their inherent background. They can build their ethos through the choices they make in terms of tone, style and addressing counter arguments.
Message (Logos) In the rhetorical triangle, the message is often linked with logos, the content of the communication. Logos is the logical use of evidence the author uses to support their message (or claim). As a reader, you must ask yourself, “What assumptions support the reasoning? What is the evidence?”
Message=Writer’s Claim (Thesis) Identify the claim – main idea, thesis, or the point the author is making – it may be directly stated or implied. Further, it may come early in the writing or near the end. What is the point of the argument?
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
Evidence vs. Opinion Some authors word their argument so subtly that the reader may confuse what is actually evidence vs. opinion. It takes a careful analysis to determine the difference.
Evidence can be any fact, statistic, or quote from a reliable source Evidence can be any fact, statistic, or quote from a reliable source. Evidence, to be useful, must be relevant and verifiable.
Rules of Analysis (BE CAREFUL) Avoid outwardly stating “the author used pathos…ethos…logos”— be SPECIFIC! The author uses a personal anecdote to establish his credibility… ALWAYS analyze these pieces using the… present tense INSTEAD of saying “pathos”… identify a SPECIFIC emotion that an author appeals to Discuss the STRONGEST rhetorical strategies used (and provide proof)