An Introduction to Rhetoric Argumentation An Introduction to Rhetoric

What is an argument? According to Aristotle, rhetoric is ‘the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion.’ An argument is composed of three different elements: The Speaker: the person/persona delivering the message The Purpose: the topic + the reason for delivering the argument The Audience: both specific (the specific group that is listening to/reading the argument) and general (the more generalized group of people the speaker is trying to reach)

Rhetorical Triangle The Rhetorical Triangle demonstrates the dynamic relationship among the three rhetorical appeals (pathos, logos, ethos), or means of persuasion, as well as the relationship among the speaker, subject, and audience.

Analysis is… …not what is being said (CONTENT) …but how it is being said (RHETORICAL ANALYSIS) …we won’t only look at WHAT the piece is about …we will discover HOW IT IS ABOUT WHAT IT IS ABOUT…

Emphasizes shared values Ethos or Character trustworthiness credibility reliability expert testimony (expertise) Experience Sincerity Knowledge reliable sources fairness tone of reason or goodwill or thoroughness Ethos or Character Speakers and writers appeal to ethos to demonstrate they are credible, competent and trustworthy

Acknowledges a counterargument Emphasizes case studies statistics experiments logical reasoning analogies anecdotes authority voices Clear argument or thesis facts Acknowledges a counterargument Concedes Refutes Logos or Reason Logos appeals to reason. Logos can also be thought of as the text of the argument, as well as how well a writer has argued his/her point.

Uses Strong connotative words Vivid, Concrete Description Figurative Language Appeals to higher emotions belief in fairness, love, pity, etc. Appeals to lower emotions Greed, lust, revenge, avarice, etc. Although, it’s generally Propagandistic Polemical (strongly critical writing or speech) Pathos or Emotion appeals to the emotions and the sympathetic imagination, as well as to beliefs and values. Pathos can also be thought of as the role of the audience in the argument. Relying solely on emotional appeal can be polemic: aggressive attack;argument against an idea propagandistic

Rhetorical Web Exigence-the initial situation or issue that prompts someone to write or speak

Compare/Contrast #1 The two following pictures have similar elements but used for different purposes. For each image, identify: Author Audience Purpose Logos, Pathos, Ethos

Look at the following picture…

And now this picture…

Now, with a partner(s)… Discuss the two images before we discuss them as a group.

Compare/Contrast #2 The two following commercials have similar elements, but, again used for different purposes. For each commercial, identify: Author Purpose Audience Logos, Pathos, Ethos

Commercials #1-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbHMZ6WSzlc #2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFRAmElznF4

Homework: Analyze a Written Text Students are assigned to read a pre-selected short text at home and write a one page analysis or fill out a graphic organize describing how the author creates an argument. Option #1: George Bush 9/11 speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7OCgMPX2mE Option #2: Malala Yousafzai’ Speech at the Youth Takeovr of the United Nations http://theirworld.org/explainers/malala-yousafzais-speech-at-the-youth-takeover-of-the-united-nations Bush 9/11- S track Yousafzai- R Track

Analysis– Use next slide for help First Paragraph– Identify the author. Identify the exigence-- add any contextual/situational information Identify the audience. Summarize the argument. Second Paragraph– Analyze Logos Third Paragraph— Analyze Pathos Fourth Paragraph— Analyze Ethos

Questions to help you recognize and utilize logos, ethos, and pathos Is the thesis clear and specific? Is the thesis supported by strong reasons and credible evidence? Is the argument logical and arranged in a well-reasoned order? Ethos: What are the writer’s qualifications? How has the writer connected him/herself to the topic being discussed? Does the writer demonstrate respect for multiple viewpoints by using sources in the text? Are sources credible? Are sources documented appropriately? Does the writer use a tone that is suitable for the audience/purpose? Is the diction (word choice) used appropriate for the audience/purpose? Is the document presented in a polished and professional manner? Pathos: Are vivid examples, details and images used to engage the reader’s emotions and imagination? Does the writer appeal to the values and beliefs of the reader by using examples readers can relate to or care about?

More Clarification Watch: http://prezi.com/7snss9sqhkoi/aristotles-rhetorical-triangle/