Mr. Pettine August 21, 2015 English 9 Rhetoric! Mr. Pettine August 21, 2015 English 9

What is Rhetoric? Rhetoric is “the art of using language effectively so as to persuade or influence others”

Rhetorical Situation Speakereaker

Definitions Rhetor – the speaker or writer of a rhetorical act (speech, discourse, proclamation, etc.) Audience – group of real or imagined hearers of the rhetorical act Exigence – the problem that the speaker is addressing - – “Any exigence is an imperfection marked by urgency; it is a defect, an obstacle, something waiting to be done, a thing which is other than it should be.” – It must be able to be modified Constraints – The elements that restrain the topic and methods of a rhetorical act - “every rhetorical situation contains a set of constraints made up of person, events, objects, and relations which are parts of the situation because they have the power to constrain decision and action needed to modify the exigence “

Rhetorical Situation After a disaster, the political speaker will address the situation at hand – Churchill during WWII, Kennedy during Cuban Missile Crisis, Johnson after Kennedy Assassination, King during Civil Rights Movement, Reagan after Challenger, Bush after September 11 – in which the content of the speech is oriented around the Rhetorical Situation. What are some of the conventions of such a speech?

Types of Speech Aristotle defined three branches of speeches (oratory) 1.) Forensic / Judicial Speech – speech found in courtroom or other legal context 2.) Epideictic Speech – also known as display rhetoric, rhetoric concerned with praise or blame 3.) Deliberative Speech – rhetoric aimed at persuading a group of people regarding a course of action or belief

Rhetorical Appeals Ethos – character Pathos – emotion Logos – reason / logic

THE RHETORICAL APPEALS

LOGOS Example: Logos is: Greek for “word” because we take their word for it An appeal to logic and reason Can be facts and statistics used for the argument Example: "The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year, even in spite of market declines in other areas."

LOGOS EXAMPLES (LOGOS=LOGIC) "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: we have not only the fingerprints, the lack of an alibi, a clear motive, and an expressed desire to commit the robbery… We also have video of the suspect breaking in. The case could not be more open and shut." "It’s a matter of common sense that people deserve to be treated equally. The Constitution calls it ‘self-evident.’ Why, then, should I have been denied a seat because of my disability?" "More than one hundred peer-reviewed studies have been conducted over the past decade, and none of them suggests that this is an effective treatment for hair loss."

PATHOS Pathos is: Example: Greek for “suffering” or “experience” An emotional appeal, appeals to the reader’s emotions The emotional or motivational appeal Example: "You will never be satisfied in life if you don’t seize this opportunity. Do you want to live the rest of your years yearning to know what would have happened if you just jumped when you had the chance?"

PATHOS EXAMPLES (PATHOS=EMOTIONS) "If we don’t move soon, we’re all going to die! Can’t you see how dangerous it would be to stay?" "I’m not just invested in this community – I love every building, every business, every hard-working member of this town." "There’s no price that can be placed on peace of mind. Our advanced security systems will protect the well-being of your family so that you can sleep soundly at night."

ETHOS Ethos is: Example: Greek for “character” An ethical appeal, based on the character of the author We tend to believe people whom we respect. The author’s credibility or speaker’s authority Example: "You know me – I’ve taught Sunday School at your church for years, babysat your children, and served as a playground director for many summers."

ETHOS EXAMPLES (ETHOS=ETHICS) "As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results." "My three decades of experience in public service, my tireless commitment to the people of this community, and my willingness to reach across the aisle and cooperate with the opposition, make me the ideal candidate for your mayor." "The veterinarian says that an Australian shepherd will be the perfect match for our active lifestyle." "If his years as a Marine taught him anything, it’s that caution is the best policy in this sort of situation."

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS? Four out of five dentists recommend Colgate toothpaste for a healthy smile.

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS? Eating too quickly will cause a stomach ache.

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS? If you loved me, you’d want to make me happy.

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS? The Surgeon General warns that smoking can adversely affect your health.

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS? Without music, our world would be bleak.