Persuasion  The type of speech or writing, usually non- fiction, that attempts to convince an audience to think or act in a particular way.  (To persuade is to change one’s perspective)

Argument  A statement of opinion about a problem or an issue and the support for the statement. Argument (Proposition) Reasons (explanations) Evidence ( examples, facts, expert opinions )

What is rhetoric? And why bother studying it?  “the art of effective expression (speaking & writing) and the persuasive use of language”  We study rhetoric because:  it helps us to better appreciate appeals to our ethos, pathos, & logos (more on this to come)  it helps us to become more effective persuasive speakers and writers

Here is a real-life example of rhetoric in action…  If you were trying to persuade a student to get to class on time, you might say, “it is WHS policy that students serve detention after three tardies”. What makes this statement effective?  What could you use to persuade the students?

Ethos, Pathos, Logos Persuasive Techniques  Greek philosopher Aristotle argued that there are three basic ways to persuade an audience that you are right.

Ethos  Persuasive appeal of ETHICS/one’s character. Tells us that the author is reliable and competent  Example: “I am a father, a taxpayer, and have served you as senator for 20 years. I deserve your vote to continue my service. AK Senator Hollis French

Pathos  Appeal to EMOTIONS (of course, meant to evoke emotional response)  Example: “Imagine for a moment a tragic collision on the Parks Highway. A family is killed and many others are injured. The cause is determined to be frost heaves. We must use more state funds to pay for road improvements.”

Logos  Appeal to LOGIC/reason (evokes a rational response)  Example: “Alaska’s roads are in a state of disrepair. Without quality roads, our transportation system will falter and hinder our economy. Hence, we must use more state funds to pay for road repairs.”

Rhetorical Strategies  The strategies that follow are just some of the ways to make your writing/speaking more persuasive…

Parallel Structure  Parallel Structure-repetition of grammatically similar words, phrases, clauses, or sentences to emphasize a point or stir the emotions of a reader/listener. Used to create a sense of rhythm, balance, and order in writing or speech.  Chiasmus=“inverted parallelism” (i.e. eat to live, not live to eat)

Parallel Structure The coach told the players: “You will get some sleep tonight, you will not eat too much right before the game, and you will do some warm-up exercises before the game.”

Rhetorical Question  Rhetorical Question-question not answered by writer b/c the answer is obvious or obviously desired. Used in persuasion to encourage the reader/listener to reflect on what the answer must be.  “How much longer must our people endure this injustice?”

Allusion  Short, informal reference to famous person, event, story. Relies on reader/listener to be familiar with the reference and hidden meaning. Used to stimulate ideas, associations, add extra information.  If I want to persuade you to wash your hands, I may say “thou shalt wash thy hands”. I am trusting that you respect the commandments and, hence, my statement.

Analogy  Comparison between two things that are alike in certain respects. Used in persuasion to demonstrate the logic of one idea by showing how it is similar to an accepted idea.  (“Pupils are more like oysters than sausages. The job of teaching is not to stuff them and then seal them up, but to help them reveal the riches within.”-Sydney Harris)

Alliteration  Repetition of initial consonant sounds. Used to call attention to a phrase and fixes it in the reader’s/listener’s mind.  (i.e. “Let us go forth to lead the land we love.”- John F. Kennedy Inaugural speech)

Humor  Humor can be used to make you like the writer/speaker and “win you over”  Hyperbole-exaggeration for emphasis/effect (“at night she needs a paint scraper to take off her makeup”)  Sarcasm (“Obama doesn’t have the experience of being Miss Wasilla!”)  Irony (verbal, situational, dramatic) (“it is ironic that the window store had all of its windows broken by vandals”)  Understatement (From Monty Python: Army officer loses a leg, “Stings a bit.”)

Audience  When attempting to persuade, consider your audience.  For example, you would not use caustic satire to persuade a potential employer to hire you.  (“The food served here is great if you are a teenager with two dollars in your pocket.”)

Active Voice v. Passive Voice  Active Voice- The boy hit the ball. The subject of this sentence actively hits the ball.  Passive Voice- The ball was hit by the boy. The subject sits passively, doing nothing while some outside agent performs the action.

Fact and Opinion  A fact-a statement that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt (Example: Barak Obama is the current president of the United States. (fact)  Opinion- a personal interpretation of belief (Example: Cedar Hill ISD has the best track team in Dallas/Ft. Worth. (opinion)

Substantiated and Unsubstantiated Opinion  Define the word: Substantiate/ Unsubstantiated  Which can be debated or argued?  A. Wednesday is the fourth day of the week.  B. Wednesday feels like the longest day of the week.

Substantiate (Opinions)  To substantiate you can:  Verify facts  Use examples  Use statistics  Get an expert opinion  Use anecdotes