Understanding Rhetoric Rhetorical Analysis Copyright © 2008 Laying the Foundation, Inc., Dallas, TX.  All rights reserved.  Visit:  www,layingthefoundation.org

Rhetoric is: using words for a purpose; often this purpose is to persuade.

When studying rhetoric, students should: analyze the arguments of others (rhetorical analysis) and write their own arguments (persuasive writing).

The “art of rhetoric” can be one of the most powerful life skills we can provide to students, enabling them to filter the messages of advertisers, songwriters, filmmakers, and politicians, and express themselves and their viewpoints in more sophisticated, persuasive ways.

When it comes to argumentation, there are three main strategies for appealing to the audience: logos pathos ethos

Logos Logos (Greek for ‘word’) – appeals to the reader’s logic or ability to reason For example…Buying a hybrid vehicle will save money and maintenance in comparison to fuel powered vehicles. It makes sense, right?

Logos Who wouldn’t buy these products? It makes sense!

Pathos Pathos (Greek for ‘suffering’ or ‘experience’) is often associated with emotional appeal (sympathy, pride, victory)

Pathos Sympathy Pride/Patriotism

Ethos Ethos (Greek for ‘character’) refers to the trustworthiness or credibility of the writer or speaker. Do we trust this person? Do we respect this person?

Ethos

At the core of rhetorical analysis is purpose. What does the author/ speaker/ cartoonist/ filmmaker/ advertiser want the reader/ listener/ viewer to Feel? Think? Do?

An appeal to logic can be created by using: facts research/ statistics quoted authorities cause and effect common sense/shared values

An appeal to the emotions can be created through: Connotative diction, imagery, or figurative language An appeal to sadness, happiness, anger, fear, excitement, etc…

An Ethical Appeal can be created by Using first person plural pronouns (I, we, us) Making expert claims Recognizing the opponents views and/or opinions Sharing expert opinion or advice

I continue to hold that…. The most effective arguments contain concession and counterargument. I concede that…; however,…. Yes…, but…. While I agree that…, I continue to hold that…. I recognize that…, but I must point out that…. Although I understand that…, I still believe that.… While it is true that…, we must remember that….

Concession and Counterargument A concession is a respectful acknowledgment of an opposing viewpoint. Making a concession by recognizing and fairly summarizing an opposing viewpoint shows the speaker/ writer to be logical and fair-minded. A counterargument follows a concession and strongly counters, or refutes, the opposing viewpoint.