copyright 2007 James Nelson 1 Introduction to Rhetoric

Where Do We See Rhetoric? copyright 2007 James Nelson 2 Legal arguments Visual art Satire Commercials Academic papers Political ads and speeches Music Creative writing Conversation TV and radio talk shows Anywhere communication occurs!

Scholarly Definitions of Rhetoric copyright 2007 James Nelson 3 Plato: [Rhetoric] is the "art of enchanting the soul." (The art of winning the soul by discourse.) Aristotle: Rhetoric is "the faculty of discovering in any particular case all of the available means of persuasion." Cicero: "Rhetoric is one great art comprised of five lesser arts: inventio, dispositio, elocutio, memoria, and pronunciatio." Rhetoric is "speech designed to persuade." Quintillian: "Rhetoric is the art of speaking well." Source: American Rhetoric m m

Rhetoric Defined copyright 2007 James Nelson 4 “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” --Aristotle A thoughtful, reflective activity leading to effective communication A good rhetorician can resolve conflict without confrontation, persuade others of their position, or move an audience to take action.

Rhetoric Defined copyright 2007 James Nelson 5 What is being said and How it is being said Logos—the logical content of a speech or text Lexis—the style and delivery of a speech The interplay of language and thought

Good Rhetoric... copyright 2007 James Nelson 6 Has a context – the occasion or the time and place it was written or spoken Has a purpose – a goal that the speaker or writer wants to achieve Understands audience – the person or group spoken to Has a thesis (claim; assertion) – it is a clear and focused statement

The Rhetorical Triangle copyright 2007 James Nelson 7

Another way to look at it… copyright 2007 James Nelson 8

Kairos copyright 2007 James Nelson 9 Kairos—”the opportune moment”. The context of a speech of text defines what will constitute effective speech. Kairos-oriented considerations include:  Time  Location  Culture  Audience Kairos, audience, and decorum are inexticably linked: a rhetorician cannot consider one in isolation!

Audience and Decorum copyright 2007 James Nelson 10 Audience—Where and to whom a speech or text is directed or presented.  What suits one audience may obviously not suit another Decorum—essentially the “fittedness” or “aptness” of a presentation to the audience and considerations of kairos

An example: Obama’s Speech to the DNC copyright 2007 James Nelson 11 ion2004/barackobama2004dnc.htm ion2004/barackobama2004dnc.htm How does Obama present himself? What techniques does Obama use to sway his audience? Of what is Obama trying to convince the audience? In what ways does Obama consider kairos, audience, and decorum?

The Appeals copyright 2007 James Nelson 12 Rhetorical Appeal—An attempt to convince another person on a certain grounds. Logos—the logical appeal Pathos—the appeal to emotion Ethos—the persuasive appeal of one’s character

Logos copyright 2007 James Nelson 13 Gives reasons for supporting a particular argument Includes evidence, facts and figures, anecdotes, testimony. Ideas are related and linked in observable patterns and build logically.

Pathos copyright 2007 James Nelson 14 Pathetic appeals are those that seek to elicit an emotional reaction. Often utilize:  Sensory language and imagery  Anecdotes  Euphemisms  Figurative language  Informal language/seeking closeness to audience

Ethos copyright 2007 James Nelson 15 How the speaker “comes across” to the audience A speaker will generally try to appear knowledgable and likeable.  Personal qualities: intelligence, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, respectability, morality, reputation

Another Example: Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” copyright 2007 James Nelson 16 veadream.htm veadream.htm What is King’s audience? How does King employ logos, ethos, and pathos? How does King use considerations of Kairos, audience, and decorum in his oration?

More Important Rhetorical Techniques copyright 2007 James Nelson 17 Diction—choice of particular words for specific effects Figurative language Parallel structure Symbolism Anastrophe (changes in normal word order) Antithesis (juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas) Consonant and/or dissonant diction (euphonious or cacophonous)