An Introduction to Rhetoric

An Introduction to Rhetoric What comes to mind when you hear the word rhetoric? Many automatically drift toward the idea of trickery or deception. “Empty Rhetoric” Aristotle defined rhetoric as “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” A thoughtful, reflective activity leading to effective communication including rational exchange of opposing viewpoints Those who understand this and can use the available means to appeal to an audience immediately finds themselves in a position of strength. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQFXezvGg_k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2DZ8bbxd8U

Science to Persuasion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFdCzN7RYbw Reciprocity An obligation to give when you receive “Tipping with mints” Scarcity People want more of those things there are less of “Concord flights” Authority People follow the lead of credible and knowledgeable experts “Diplomas, credentials and uniforms”

Science to Persuasion Consistency Liking Consensus Looking for and asking for commitments that can be made “Signs in yard and written consent” Liking Those who are similar, pay us compliments and cooperative “Small talk before negotiating” Consensus People will look to the actions and behavior of others to determine their own, especially when they are uncertain. “Towels in hotels” Asch experiment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA-gbpt7Ts8 Can you think of other elements within our culture that utilize these elements of persuasion previously discussed?

The Rhetorical Triangle Here it is, the Aristotelian/Rhetorical triangle Speaker Audience Subject

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos Ethos- the credibility of the speaker. Ethical Appeal through speakers identity or persona Logos-the reasoning or logic in the speaker’s argument. Logical Appeal Pathos- Emotion of the speech (not necessarily the speaker’s, but more explanation in a minute.) Emotional Appeal

Ethos Information (knowledge/expertise) Ethos = Ethics=Ethical appeal Establishing one’s ethos is appealing to our ethics through a sense of credibility. If someone is already known or has a certain reputation that is “ethical” they usually automatically have credibility: Accomplishments (experience/training) “Come, I will make you fishers of men.”  “at once…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snDQe3tWwRQ What if they don’t have a preconceived image? Tone (sincerity/vulnerability) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA_uwWPE6lQ Information (knowledge/expertise) This does not mean whether or not the speaker is a “good” person. It simply means the speaker appeals to the audience as a credible source.

Logos Logos = Logic = Logical Appeal Appealing to one’s logic means having a clear main idea or thesis, with specific details, examples, facts, statistical data, or expert testimony as support. However, it also can utilize the following: Pre-existing Assumptions or underlying beliefs helps new logic have an effective appeal. “Bad breaks” do not logically equal “luckiest” men alive. Counterarguments or anticipating opposing views are incredible ways to strengthen your logical appeal. Conceding to an opposing argument then refuting!!! OK trekkies, Spock would never say anything that was not full of Logical Appeal right? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPFf5-X8g-A

Pathos Pathos = emotion = emotional appeal Appealing to one’s emotions means they are using language and ideas that evoke deeper feelings within a reader or listener. If a skilled writer uses personal anecdotes or certain figurative language sparingly, he or she can create an emotional appeal to the audience that adds an important dimension. Appealing to emotion can also be done through: Sequencing of words with strong positive/negative connotations. Not relying on an argument appealing only to emotion because it will come off as propagandistic in purpose. http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/brilliant-creative-billboard-advertisements/

Rude Refutation

Saturday morning came with a warning, woke me up from my bed Rude Refutation MAGIC DAD Saturday morning jumped out of bed and put on my best suit Got in my car and raced like a jet All the way to you Knocked on your door with heart in my hand to ask you a question 'Cause I know that you're an old- fashioned man, yeah Saturday morning came with a warning, woke me up from my bed Seeking permission to marry my princess, son what's wrong with your big head It's the first time I met you, why would I let you run of with my baby girl Get back in your pinto, it's time that you go, the answer's no

Rude Refutation MAGIC DAD Can I have your daughter for the rest of my life? Say yes, say yes 'cause I need to know You say I'll never get your blessing 'til the day I die Tough luck, my friend, but the answer is 'No' You say you want my daughter for the rest of your life, well you gotta make more than burgers and fries Get out your mama's basement go and get you a life, son your 28 don't you think it's time

Rude Refutation MAGIC DAD Why you gotta be so rude? Don't you know I'm human too? Why you gotta be so rude? I'm gonna marry her anyway Why you gotta call me rude, I'm doin what a dad should do, Keep her from a fool like you, and if you marry her anyway

Rude Refutation MAGIC DAD Marry that girl Marry her anyway Marry that girl Yeah, no matter what you say Marry that girl And we'll be a family Why you gotta be so Rude Marry that girl, I'm gonna punch your face, Marry that girl I'll make your go away, To the bottom of a lake, oh oh oh oh

Rude Refutation DAD MAGIC You may not get this so let me explain it, you need to understand This is forever, she deserves better, she really needs a grown man, I know what your thinking, you think you'll still take her, well give it your best shot I may be a Christian but I'll go to prison, I'm not scared of doing hard time I hate to do this, you leave no choice, can't live without her Love me or hate me we will be boys, standing at that altar Or we will run away To another galaxy, you know You know she's in love with me She will go anywhere I go

Rude Refutation MAGIC DAD Can I have your daughter for the rest of my life? Say yes, say yes 'cause I need to know You say I'll never get your blessing 'til the day I die Tough luck, my friend, but the answer is 'No' You say you want my daughter for the rest of your life, well you gotta make more than burgers and fries Get out your mama's basement go and get you a life, son your 28 don't you think it's time

Rude Refutation MAGIC DAD Why you gotta be so rude? Don't you know I'm human too? Why you gotta be so rude? I'm gonna marry her anyway Why you gotta call me rude, I'm doin what a dad should do, Keep her from a fool like you, and if you marry her anyway

Rude Refutation MAGIC DAD Now I was a boy once, seeking a response, from my future dad in law I stood there in your shoes, minus the tattoos, and the countless character flaws I know that your human so start acting like one, go wash that greasy hair And maybe the shampoo cleans out your brain too, so your logic won’t be so impaired