Rhetorical Appeals and Devices Used by Speakers and Writers What is rhetoric? Rhetoric is persuasive speech and writing Rhetorical devices are elements used by speakers and writers to effectively persuade their audience They have a powerful effect on listeners/ readers

There are three categories Rhetorical appeals- how the argument is structured Rhetorical devices- tools that help shape the structure Rhetorical fallacies- false reasoning designed to mislead the reader or listener 2

Rhetorical Appeals Three basic appeals Ethos- credibility or authority Logos- logic or reasoning Pathos- emotion 3

Rhetorical & Persuasive Appeals Ethos- appeal to credibility - stress the fairness, morality, and other qualities of the speaker or writer - claims that the writer is trustworthy It may sound like this: --“I promise you, we as a people will get there.” --“But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation...”

Rhetorical & Persuasive Appeals Logos—rational appeal; asks the readers to use their intellects and powers of reasoning. It relies on established conventions of logic and evidence. Logos= facts, logic, reasoning "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: we have not only the fingerprints, the lack of an alibi, a clear motive, and an expressed desire to commit the robbery… We also have video of the suspect breaking in. The case could not be more open and shut."

Rhetorical & Persuasive Appeals Pathos—an emotional appeal; asks readers to respond out of their beliefs, values, or feelings. It inspires, affirms, frightens, angers. Pathos= emotions, shared values -“Tonight we proved one more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.”

Now for some rhetorical devices Rhetorical devices: –Establish a point of view or purpose –Shape the structure of sentence and paragraphs –Can create strong emotional response –Make the message more memorable 7

Parallelism Writing structures that are grammatically parallel helps the reader understand the points better because they flow more smoothly. If there is anyone out there who still doubts…who still wonders…who still questions "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessing; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries." — Winston Churchill Winston Churchill

Repetition Repetition can be effective in creating a sense of structure and power. In both speech and literature, repeating small phrases can ingrain an idea in the minds of the audience. Yes, we can, to opportunity and prosperity. Yes, we can heal this nation. Yes, we can repair this world. Yes, we can.

Allusion A reference to a famous person, event, or work outside the text. “I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio’s.” 10

Hypophora A common technique is to start a speech with a hypophora, in which the speaker first asks a question and then answers it. "You ask, what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land, and air, with all our might and with all the strength.." — Winston Churchill, 4 June 1940.

Subcategory: Figurative Language Metaphor - Albert is a couch potato Simile - That hairstyle stands out like a sore thumb. Hyperbole - He snores like a grizzly bear with a head cold.

Rhetorical Fallacies False reasoning designed to mislead the reader or listener 13

Rhetorical Fallacies –Errors in logic –Look like they should make sense 14

Circular Reasoning Supporting the statement by just repeating it in different words Example: Teenagers should stay away from fad diets, because it’s important for adolescents to avoid popular weight-loss plans. 15

Either/Or Suggests that there are only tow choices available in a situation that really offers more than two choices. Example: Either you’re a hockey fan, or you’re wrong. 16

Oversimplification Explaining a complex situation or problem as if it were much simpler than it is Example: Making a good grade all depends on if the teacher likes you or not. 17

Overgeneralization A statement that is too broad. You can often recognize these by the use of words like all, everyone, every time, anything, no one and none. Example: No one cares that there are not enough seats in the cafeteria. 18

Stereotyping Broad statements about people on the basis of gender, ethnicity, race, politics, social status, profession or religion. Example: It’s easy to tell if a politician is lying. Their lips will be moving. 19

Ad Homimem Attempting to discredit an idea by attacking the person or group associated with it. Example: “If a tree falls in the forest and FOX news is not there to cover it, is it still Obama’s fault?” 20

Evading the issue Refuting an objection with arguments and evidence that do not address its central point 21 Example: Yes, I broke my promise to be here on time, but I brought cupcakes!

Non Sequitur Using irrelevant information as “proof” to support a claim. This tries to divert the reader’s attention to proof that can’t be challenged. Example: “I know I’ll pass math. The teacher is also my basketball coach and he likes me.” 22

False Cause Assuming that because one event happened after another, that the first event caused the second. Example: I read that pit bulls are dangerous. My neighbor has two pit bulls. My life is in danger! 23

False Analogy A comparison that does not hold up because there is a critical difference between the two subjects Example: She walks home from school every day, so she should be able to do a 5K run. 24

Hasty Generalization A conclusion drawn from too little evidence Example: That corner must be really dangerous. There were two accidents there just last week. 25