an overview of rhetoric robert herrick. rhetoric “systematic study and intentional practice of...
TRANSCRIPT
Rhetor * anyone who composes discourse that is
intended to affect an audience’s or broader community’s thinking or actions.
6 Characteristics Rhetoric is adapted to an audience
Enthymeme*: the rhetor provides a tenable premise and expects the audience to “fill in” or arrive at the desired conclusion, based on shared values, beliefs, concerns, or knowledge; shared but unstated assumption
“We have this fantasy that our interests
and the interests of the super rich are the
same. Like somehow the rich will
eventually get so full that they’ll explode.
And the candy will rain down on the rest
of us. Like there’s some kind of pinata of
benevolence. But here’s the thing about a
pinata: it doesn’t open on it’s own. You
have to beat it with a stick.” — Bill Maher
6 Characteristics Rhetoric seeks persuasion
Argument – claim, reason, evidence Appeals
Arrangement Aesthetics
6 Characteristics Rhetoric addresses contingent issues
Contingent – no definite or unavoidable answers; weighing of options necessary
Deliberate: reason through various alternatives
Social functions of rhetoric Testing ideas
for both rhetor and audience By public – i.e. abolition of slavery
Assisting Advocacy Distributing power
Personal power – express self effectively Psychological power – shape thinking of
others Political power