Everyday Use Chapter One Outline

·      Readers and Writers can understand one another because they use rhetoric.

Rescuing Rhetoric fro its Bad Reputation: Definitions and Examples

·      Many people see rhetoric in a negative sense

·      People believe that it is used to hoodwink the audience

·      This is false

·      Rhetor – a speaker or writer, but someone who understands rhetoric

·      Rhetoric definition:

·      The art of analyzing all the language choices that writer, speaker, reader, or listener might make in a given situation so that the text becomes meaningful, purposeful, and effective.

·      The specific features of texts, written or spoken, that cause them to be meaningful, purposeful, and effective for readers or listeners in a given situation.

What does “Being Skilled at Rhetoric” Mean?

·      Being skilled at rhetoric means…

·  you can make good speeches

·  write good papers

·  be able to criticize others good work.

·  Being able to analyze why the rhetor used their decisions

·  Being able to plan and write compositions, not just write them

·  Being able to examine a situation and be able to determine what to say or write to further the conversation, not just repeat old points.

Developing Skill with Rhetoric: The Rhetorical Triangle

·      The Rhetorical triangle  

·      All three (speaker, audience, and subject) are connected

Key #1: Understanding Persona

·      If you understand persona then you can…

·  Speak or write to make the audience perceive you as a well intentioned, trust worthy character

·  Make inferences and judgments about another character

Key #2: Understanding Appeals to the Audience

·      Ethos –ethics

·      Logos - facts

·      Pathos – emotions

Key #3 Understanding Subject Matter and It’s Treatment

·      Your piece must be able to have different view points; if everyone agrees on the subject, it’s going to be a boring speech

·      Your piece must make the audience curious

·      Claim plus support; back up your claims; be detailed

Modifying the Basic Rhetorical Triangle: Rhetoric Occurs in a Context

·      Rhetorical transactions always take place in context

·      Every rhetorical transaction is designed to achieve an aim or purpose

·      Once purpose is established the writer determines a genre.

Key #4 Understanding Context

·      Every composition arises from a context

·      Topical events – time bound moments

·      Wider cultural contexts

·      An effective Rhetor knows how to refer to context to help the audience understand the position he or she takes and to connect positively with the text’s argument.

Key #5 Understanding Intention

·      A Rhetor’s intention is what they want to happen as a result of the text

Key #6 Understanding Genre

·      There are many genres

·      Context + intention lead to genre

·      It is important to choose an appropriate genre, not just the 5 paragraph essay that we are all taught

Rhetoric in Everyday Life: Your Life, Your Community

·      Rhetoric is not just used in the classroom

Rhetoric and Citizenship

·      Citizens use their skills at rhetoric to understand and obey expectations from their government

·      It is important to read and listen to speeches and papers involving your community to be an informed citizen

Rhetoric and Community

·      Signs in yards is a form of rhetoric

Rhetoric and Conscientious Consumption

·      Being skilled at rhetoric is one of the most important abilities you can develop in your quest to lead an active, successful life.

·      You will use it everyday