1. Introduction to Rhetoric February 14 th, 2012

2. Defining “Rhetoric” What do you think it means? Have you heard this term? Consider these quotations: “Obama’s campaign is more style than substance, more rhetoric than specifics.” “Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action, and we have trusted only to rhetoric. If we are really to be a great nation, we must not merely talk; we must act big.”Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action, and we have trusted only to rhetoric. If we are really to be a great nation, we must not merely talk; we must act big.

3. Definition of “Rhetoric” Rhetoric is… The art of persuading an audience effectively Analyzing all the language choices that a writer, speaker, reader, or listener might make to make a text meaningful, powerful, or persuasive

4. Why do we study rhetoric? We want to learn:  1) How do great speakers use rhetorical strategies to convince the audience  2) How can I use rhetorical strategies to convince the audience?  3) We want to understand how language can be used to persuade.

5. People use rhetoric when… Politicians try to get you to vote for them Lawyers try to convince a jury Companies attempt to get you to buy something in a commercial When the president gives a speech When someone writes a note to a friend When you try to convince your parents to let you go to the winter formal

6. Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle Speaker Context Purpose Message/Subject Audience

7. The 3 parts of the rhetorical triangle must complement one another. 1.Speaker/Rhetor: uses Appeal to ethos- The speaker must be credible and trustworthy 2.Audience: uses Appeal to pathos - Speaker must appeal to audience’s values, interests, & emotions 3.Subject: uses Appeal to logos – Subject is the topic. The argument about the topic must be logical

8. Other things to consider: Context: The time, place, and world in which the text takes place shapes how the audience understands the text. The “appropriateness” of the situation (such as timing or cultural & social norms) affects how persuasive the message is. Authorial Intent: What’s the point of this message? Why is the author writing this? What does he/she want you to feel, believe, or think about?