Introduction to Rhetoric

 Rhetoric : is the art of persuasive language. *Throughout most of history, it is referred to as the art of speechmaking and oratory.  Writers and speakers use rhetoric to convince readers or listeners to do something or to think something. *Think of every time you want to get your way. You’re using rhetoric!

Various meanings of Rhetoric  The meaning of the word Rhetoric seems to differ depending on how the word is used and who is using it.  You’ve probably heard politicians at some time or another dismiss the positions of their opponents as “pure rhetoric.”  You’re probably also familiar with the idea of rhetorical question-a question that is meant to make a point and not to be answered.

For our purposes : Rhetoric is a thoughtful, reflective activity leading to effective communication, including the rational exchange of opposing viewpoints.

Classic (and less reputable ways) to use rhetoric:  When a politician tries to get you to vote for him, he is using rhetoric.  When a lawyer tries to move a jury, she is using rhetoric.  When a government produces propaganda, it is using rhetoric.  When an advertisement tries to get you to buy something, it is using rhetoric.  When the president is giving a speech, he is using rhetoric.

Rhetoric can be subtler and even positive.  Someone writing an office memo.  Newspaper writers offers her depiction of what happened.  Scientist giving theories or results.  Writing your mom and dad an .  And, yes, when I’m trying to explain about rhetoric

In this class …  We will use rhetoric to refer to persuasion that occurs through any medium, not just text or speech.  Eventually, you will start to see all communication as rhetorical: as a set of deliberate, strategic decisions that someone made to achieve a certain purpose with a certain audience.

Occasion, Context and Purpose RHETORIC IS ALWAYS SITUATIONAL AND HAS A/AN:  Occasion: The time and place the text was written or spoken.  Context: The circumstance, atmosphere, attitudes and events surrounding the text.  Purpose: The goal the speaker wants to achieve.

The Rhetorical Triangle (The Relationship)

Let’s try it…  Lou Gehrig's Farewell Speech: What’s the rhetorical situation? A. Occasion: B. Context: C. Purpose: What’s the relationship among the speaker, audience and subject? Q: Is it a persona, a group or person? Describe. Q: Is the audience a listener, viewer or reader? Are they hostile, friendly or neutral? Q: What is the subject/topic (not purpose)?