AN INTRODUCTION The Basics of Rhetoric

Learning Targets Target 1: I can define rhetoric. Target 2: I can use the three rhetorical analysis questions to analyze a text. Target 5: I can differentiate between summary and rhetorical analysis.

A FEW DEFINITIONS TO KNOW What is Rhetoric?

Definitions of Rhetoric Aristotle’s Definition:  the art of observing in any given case the “available means of persuasion Other Definitions:  “The study of effective speaking and writing.”  -Silva Rhetoricae  “ The art of speaking or writing effectively”  Merriam-Webster  “The art of effective communication”

3 THINGS TO CONSIDER The Major Players of Rhetoric

The start of Rhetorical Situation Author – the creator of the communication Audience – the receiver of the communication Subject – the topic of the communication

**NOTE: THAT WAS NOT A RHETORICAL QUESTION What is Rhetorical Analysis?

The Components… Rhetoric = effective speaking and writing Analysis = identifying the parts or features of something and explaining how these features work together

Rhetorical Analysis Cameron’s definition:  Breaking apart the components of a piece of communication to examine the techniques an author uses for successfully getting a point across.  Communication mediums – speaking, writing, visual  Techniques of… Language (our major focus) Images Verbal inflections

Summary vs. Analysis Summary is merely stating what the author says. Analysis is dissecting what the author does with language to communicate powerfully.

ASK 3 QUESTIONS So how do we start?

3 Rhetorical Questions 1. What is the message? 2. How is the message being conveyed? 3. Why is the message being conveyed?

We can read Visual texts too! Consider:  What elements/details catch the eye or seem important?  Does the visual have a title?  Is color (or the lack of it) used significantly?  How do different parts of the picture fit together? Draw conclusions about the visual’s message.

Homework for tonight