What is rhetoric?

One definition for rhetoric:communication with purpose

“Rhetoric’s classic definition as the art of persuasion suggests a power.

So much of what we receive from others – from family and friends to

30-second blurbs on TV – is intended to persuade. Recognizing how this is

done gives greater power to choose.” -Victor Villaneuva, Jr.

How is rhetoric all around us?

Rhetoric

As a rhetorician, your “task is to …

persuade your audience – to see the text the way you see it.”

- Christine Alfano

The Rhetorical Triangle

Rhetorical Strategies

The Rhetorical Triangle

NarrationCompare/Contrast

Example or IllustrationCause and Effect

DefinitionAnalogy

DescriptionClassification or Division

As rhetoricians, we must:

Analyze the Audience

Consider the Purpose

Pick a Topic

Audience

Who is your audience?

What will be the most effective means to communicate to that

audience?

Purpose

Why are you writing? What is your purpose?

What is your stance?

What do you want others to get from your argument?

Topic

What topic do you want to write about?

How do you feel about the topic?

What might be the best topic for your intended audience?

Rhetorical Analysis

A rhetorical analysistakes an in-depth look at

textual and visual choices the author has made to persuade his or her

audience.

(Note: An analysis is not a summary.)

It’s about:

- Close, Critical Reading

- Clear, Analytical Thinking

Elements to consider in a rhetorical analysis:

AudiencePurpose

TopicContext

OrganizationTitle

AuthorGenre and Medium (online vs. in print, etc.)

Presentation (font, layout, imagery, etc.)

Why did the author make certain choices? Were they successful? Why or why not?