An Introduction to Rhetoric Using the “Available Means”
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“Rhetoric is a
thoughtful reflective activity leading to effective communication”
Key elements
of Rhetoric
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Always has
an occasion (context) and a purpose
(goal)
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Some purposes are: win agreement, persuade,
evoke sympathy, cause laughter, inform, provoke, celebrate… etc…
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Although rhetoric is often used with deception
it can also serve as sincerity
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It (your writing) should have a clear and
focused statement
The Rhetorical Triangle
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Writers first choose a subject
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Then study it and evaluate what you know about
said subject, what other’s know, and what evidence you will need to develop
your position
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Pick your persona and stick to it.
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Your persona depends on the context, purpose,
subject, and audience.
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Before you speak think about your audience: how
they will react, what they know about the subject, how do they feel about the
subject, and how will you convince them to listen to you
Appeal to Ethos, Logos, and
Pathos
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Ethos-Ethical appeal-
the credibility of the speaker “often emphasize shared values between the
speaker and audience” . This gives the audience a reason to listen.
·
Logos-Logical appeal
- the reasoning or logic in the speaker’s argument. Having a clear main idea
helps a lot. Acknowledging a counterargument and refuting it strengthens your
Logos.
·
Pathos- Emotional appeal-
Emotion of the speech (not necessarily the speaker’s) don’t use to much
emotion, or else it turns into propaganda.
Visual Rhetoric
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Visual rhetoric (such as political cartoons) is
often satirical or sarcastic and critical
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Sometimes they don’t use sarcasm or criticism
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Visual Rhetoric uses Ethos, Logos, and Pathos as
well.
An Example of Rhetoric from Literature
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Rhetoric is not limited to nonfiction.
Arrangement
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When you write, consider how the essay and its individual
paragraphs are arranged.
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How the writing is structured depends upon the
writers intended purpose and effect.
The Classical Model
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The
Introduction – piques the interest of the reader, Ethos is established
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The
Narration – factual information and background material on subject pathos
is brought into play
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The
Confirmation – development of the proof needed This bolts the essay
together. Appeal to Logos
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The
Refutation- addresses the counterargument. Continuation of Logos.
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The Conclusion – wraps the text up. Ethos and pathos are used. Your last words are
those most likely to be remembered.
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Patterns of
Development
Narration
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Writers often use narration to start in on their
topics. It provides a hook for the audience.
Description
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Emphasizes the senses. It paints a vivid
picture. It is used to establish mood.
Process Analysis
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This explains how something works. It is clear,
simple, and precise.
Exemplification
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Provides examples. This turns a general idea
into a concrete one.
Comparison and Contrast
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We have been doing this since second grade.
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Juxtaposing two subjects to define their
similarities and differences
Classification and Division
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It is important to be able to classify and sort
material
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This way you can group documents together and
explain why
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You place the essays into your own personal
categories (ie political, vs. religious)
Definition
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Used to clarify a term
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It is often one of the first steps in the debate
process
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Sometimes writers will use an excerpt to define
something, or their entire essay
Cause and Effect
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Cause and effect uses Logos (or crystal clear
logic)
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It is often a result of the question: why?
