WHAT IS RHETORIC?

PART I Rhetoric

“the art of effective expression (speaking & writing) and the persuasive use of language” We study rhetoric because: it helps us to better appreciate appeals to our ethos, pathos, & logos (more on this to come) it helps us to become more effective persuasive speakers and writers

GENERATE YOUR OWN EXAMPLES What are some of the techniques by which people use language persuasively? Jot your thoughts down in your notes.

MAYBE YOU NAMED SOME OF THESE EXAMPLES: Diction – Formal diction leads readers/listeners to believe something is ethically or legally important Emotional diction (sometimes called “sensationalism”) leads readers/listeners to recognize that ideas expressed are important to the writer/speaker Allusion - can associate a new idea to a traditionally respected source

HERE IS A REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE OF RHETORIC IN ACTION… If a teacher desired to persuade a student to get to class on time, he/she might say, “It is DHS policy that students serve detention after three tardies.” What makes this statement effective?

The statement sounds formal and authoritative! Backed by the rule of law

ETHOS, PATHOS, LOGOS Greek philosopher Aristotle argued that there are three basic ways to persuade an audience that you are right.

ETHOS Persuasive appeal of one’s character. Tells us that the author is reliable and competent Example: “I am a father, a taxpayer, and have served you as senator for 20 years. I deserve your vote to continue my service. AK Senator Hollis French

PATHOS Appeals to emotion (evokes emotional response) Example: “Imagine for a moment a tragic collision on Highway 288. A family is killed and many others are injured. The cause is determined to be faulty asphalt. We must use more state funds to pay for road improvements.”

LOGOS Appeal to reason (evokes a rational response) Example: “Texas’ roads are in a state of disrepair. Without quality roads, our transportation system will falter and hinder our economy. Hence, we must use more state funds to pay for road repairs.”

WHAT IS USED IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING ?

PART II Rhetorical Strategies/Techniques

RHETORICAL STRATEGIES/TECHNIQUES The strategies that follow are just some of the ways to make your writing/speaking more persuasive…

PARALLEL STRUCTURE Parallel Structure-repetition of grammatically similar words, phrases, clauses, or sentences to emphasize a point or stir the emotions of a reader/listener. Used to create a sense of rhythm, balance, and order in writing or speech. Chiasmus=“inverted parallelism” (i.e. eat to live, not live to eat)

PARALLEL STRUCTURE The coach told the players: “You will get some sleep tonight, you will not eat too much right before the game, and you will do some warm-up exercises before the game.”

RHETORICAL QUESTION Rhetorical Question- question not answered by writer b/c the answer is obvious or obviously desired. Used in persuasion to encourage the reader/listener to reflect on what the answer must be. Example: “How much longer must our people endure this injustice?”

ALLUSION Short, informal reference to famous person, event, story. Relies on reader/listener to be familiar with the reference and hidden meaning. Used to stimulate ideas, associations, add extra information. Example: “Thou shalt wash thy hands.” I am trusting that you respect the commandments and, hence, my statement.

ANALOGY Comparison between two things that are alike in certain respects. Used in persuasion to demonstrate the logic of one idea by showing how it is similar to an accepted idea. Example: “Pupils are more like oysters than sausages. The job of teaching is not to stuff them and then seal them up, but to help them reveal the riches within.”-Sydney Harris

ALLITERATION Repetition of initial consonant sounds. Used to call attention to a phrase and fixes it in the reader’s/listener’s mind. Example: “Let us go forth to lead the land we love.”- John F. Kennedy Inaugural speech

ADVERTISING TECHNIQUES Bandwagon Avant-garde Testimonials Facts and Figures Transfer

BANDWAGON Advertisers make it seem as if everyone is buying this product (makes you feels left out)

AVANT-GARDE Is the reverse of bandwagon Make product seem so brand new that you will be the first in the school to have it

TESTIMONIALS Advertisers use celebrities or just regular people to endorse a product.

FACTS AND FIGURES Statistics, percentages, and numbers are used to convince you that this product is better of more effective that another product.

TRANSFER Gets one to associate the good feelings shown in the ad with the product itself.

How can you used the information In this power point to inform your writing? Reflect and Respond