The Art of Rhetoric Rhetoric – n. The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing

3 Main types of rhetoric Ethos Ethos Pathos Pathos Logos Logos

Ethos Ethos is appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author Ethos is appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author

Logos Logos is appeal based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are logos-driven. Scholarly documents are also often logos-driven. Logos is appeal based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are logos-driven. Scholarly documents are also often logos-driven.

Pathos Pathos is appeal based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven. Pathos is appeal based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven.

Other Rhetorical Devices 1. Rhetorical question Can we really expect the school to keep paying from its limited resources? 2. Emotive language Imagine being cast out into the street, cold, lonely and frightened. 3. Parallel structures To show kindness is praiseworthy; to show hatred is evil. 5. Contrast Sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind. 6. Description and Imagery (i.e. using metaphor, simile and personification) While we wait and do nothing, we must not forget that the fuse is already burning. 7. The ‘rule of three’ I ask you, is this fair, is it right, is it just? 8. Repetition evil minds will use evil means. 9. Hyperbole (using exaggeration for effect) While we await your decision, the whole school holds its breath. 10. Anecdote

Anecdotes What is an anecdote? An anecdote is a short and interesting story taken from a person's past experience - or that of someone they know or have heard about. For your exam, of course, your own anecdotes will need to be imaginary - made up (but they must still be entirely believable and relevant). Why are anecdotes useful? It is a simple fact of life that we enjoy hearing interesting stories. No one knows why, but we do. Certainly, we enjoy relating to and learning from stories - and we often can identify with the characters in them. If you choose to use a short anecdote in your own writing (and you should give it serious consideration), it will engage, involve and interest your reader in ways little else can; it will add a human and personal dimension that can be irresistible and fascinating. But anecdotes need to be believable and lively - and they can also be very emotional; and because anecdotes are 'true' stories, they can be very convincing indeed, adding authority to what you write.

Example 'I know that many of you think the homeless are a lost cause and that they are lazy good for nothings. Well, of course, that might be true for some of them, but let me tell you about Dave. I went to school with Dave for three years until Year 11. It was just before our exams when Dave's mom and dad hit problems - big-time! From there on in life began to fall apart for Dave. He just wasn't able to cope. By the time he was eighteen, when I was sitting for my SATs, Dave was on the streets...' 'I know that many of you think the homeless are a lost cause and that they are lazy good for nothings. Well, of course, that might be true for some of them, but let me tell you about Dave. I went to school with Dave for three years until Year 11. It was just before our exams when Dave's mom and dad hit problems - big-time! From there on in life began to fall apart for Dave. He just wasn't able to cope. By the time he was eighteen, when I was sitting for my SATs, Dave was on the streets...'