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

Outline of chapter one The Language of Composition

An Introduction to Rhetoric Using the “Available Means”

·      “Rhetoric is a thoughtful reflective activity leading to effective communication”

Key elements of Rhetoric

·    Always has an occasion (context) and a purpose (goal)

·    Some purposes are: win agreement, persuade, evoke sympathy, cause laughter, inform, provoke, celebrate… etc…

·    Although rhetoric is often used with deception it can also serve as sincerity

·    It (your writing) should have a clear and focused statement

The Rhetorical Triangle

·      Writers first choose a subject

·      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

·      Pick your persona and stick to it.

·      Your persona depends on the context, purpose, subject, and audience.

·      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

·      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

·      Visual rhetoric (such as political cartoons) is often satirical or sarcastic and critical

·      Sometimes they don’t use sarcasm or criticism

·      Visual Rhetoric uses Ethos, Logos, and Pathos as well.

An Example of Rhetoric from Literature

·      Rhetoric is not limited to nonfiction.

Arrangement

·      When you write, consider how the essay and its individual paragraphs are arranged.

·      How the writing is structured depends upon the writers intended purpose and effect.

The Classical Model

·      The Introduction – piques the interest of the reader, Ethos is established

·      The Narration – factual information and background material on subject pathos is brought into play

·      The Confirmation – development of the proof needed This bolts the essay together. Appeal to Logos

·      The Refutation- addresses the counterargument. Continuation of Logos.

·      The Conclusion – wraps the text up. Ethos  and pathos are used. Your last words are those most likely to be remembered.

·       

Patterns of Development

Narration

·      Writers often use narration to start in on their topics. It provides a hook for the audience.

Description

·      Emphasizes the senses. It paints a vivid picture. It is used to establish mood.

Process Analysis

·      This explains how something works. It is clear, simple, and precise.

Exemplification

·      Provides examples. This turns a general idea into a concrete one.

Comparison and Contrast

·      We have been doing this since second grade.

·      Juxtaposing two subjects to define their similarities and differences

Classification and Division

·      It is important to be able to classify and sort material

·      This way you can group documents together and explain why

·      You place the essays into your own personal categories (ie political,  vs. religious)

Definition

·      Used to clarify a term

·      It is often one of the first steps in the debate process

·      Sometimes writers will use an excerpt to define something, or their entire essay

Cause and Effect

·      Cause and effect uses Logos (or crystal clear logic)

·      It is often a result of the question: why?