Rhetoric The art of Communication

What is Rhetoric? Rhetoric is the art of using language to communicate effectively rhetoric is an ancient art, dating back to Classical Greece and has been taught for thousands of years Although rhetoric has historically been seen primarily as a way of persuading people, modern rhetoric includes Effective writing and speaking of all kinds

Rhetorical Triangle In order to effectively use rhetoric in our writing and speaking, we must assess our rhetorical situation and analyze the best way to communicate This is the “rhetorical Triangle” because it balances the three important components necessary for effective writing/speaking

When we look at writing, advertisements, News Stories etc, we will be using this triangle to assess the effectiveness of what we are looking at Who created it? Who is the intended audience? is the message convincing? OFten the triangle also considers how the larger context affects all three of these components

three methods of persuasion Ethos Pathos logos Most effective writing, debating, advertising etc, relies on more than one appeal

Ethos A method of persuasion in which you use the reputation or character of a person or thing to make a point Ethos Appeals rely on the credibility or trust an audience has for a specific person/brand etc language is appropriate and tailored to the audience appeals to questions of right/wrong

an ethos appeal

Pathos A method of persuasion that relies on an emotional connection emotionally loaded language/imagery figurative language is common Appeals to specific emotions: humor, sadness, fear, guilt, etc

two kinds of pathos appeals

Logos A Method of Persuasion that uses logic and reasoning to convince the audience relies on definitions, analogies, data, stats structure and layout builds a convincing proof citations from experts

a logos appeal

Check for understanding What is rhetoric? What are three appeals? What are the three components of the rhetorical triangle? Why is this shown in this shape?

Check for understanding Explain an ethos appeal Explain a pathos appeal Explain a logos appeal

Which appeal is being used?

IDentify the appeal Haven’t I always been trustworthY? Puppy dog eyes Studies show that teens who are increasingly given more freedom and responsibility have fewer instances of arrest during college. If you let me have a later curfew, I’ll do more chores Don’t I always fill up the car when I’m out?