Introduction to Rhetoric

Definition of Rhetoric

Aristotle defined rhetoric as “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.”

Other definitions of rhetoric: The art of persuasion “rhetoric is the art or science of men and women

communicating with other human beings” –James J. Murphy

Essential Questions for Unit

What techniques do writers and speakers use to deliver their messages? What is the effect of speaker, occasion, audience,

purpose, and subject?

How do writers and speakers appeal to the audience-ethos, logos, and pathos? What makes a speech effective?

How does structure relate to purpose? Just how powerful can one word be?

What are fallacies?

Aristotle’s Triangle/The Rhetorical Triangle

SPEAKER

SUBJECTAUDIENCE

“Near and Far”

The following clip shows how even something as basic as a children’s television show employs the rhetorical triangle.

Near and Far

Lou Gehrig “Farewell to Baseball” Speech

Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig (June 19, 1903 – June 2, 1941)

Played in 2,130 consecutive gamesInducted into baseball hall of fame in

1939Career cut short by ALS (which came to be

known as Lou Gehrig’s disease

Lou Gehrig videoLou Gehrig audio

Speaker/Persona

A term used for the author, speaker, or the person whose perspective (real or imagined) is being advanced in speech or a piece of writing.

In Sesame Street clip: Grover, a lovable monster, who is trusted by children.

They view him as a friend.

In Lou Gehrig’s speech: Professional baseball player: New York Yankee.

Presents himself as a common man

Audience

One’s listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.

In Sesame Street clip: Preschoolers/toddlers

In Lou Gehrig’s speech: Fans, fellow athletes, those in the stadium, and those

who would hear the speech on the radio. He is addressing people rooting for him.

Subject

The topic addressed in a piece of writing.

In Sesame Street clip: The concept of near and far

In Lou Gehrig’s speech: His career in baseball with the Yankees How lucky and blessed he has been in his life

Context

The occasion or time and place

In Sesame Street clip: Part of Sesame Street television series

In Lou Gehrig’s speech: July 4, 1939 Recently revealed that Gherig was suffering from ALS Appreciation Day ceremony held in his honor at Yankee

Stadium Between a double-header

Purpose/Aim

The goal the speaker/writer wants to achieve

In Sesame Street clip: To educate and entertain

In Lou Gehrig’s speech: Remain positive/celebrate the occasion Downplay diagnosis

Tone

The attitude expressed by the speaker Examine the choice of words, emotions expressed, imagery

used to determine the speaker's attitude. May change within text.

In Sesame Street clip: Friendly Frustrated

In Lou Gehrig’s speech: Upbeat Humble

IDENTIFY:

1.SPEAKER2.AUDIENCE3.SUBJECT4.CONTEXT5.PURPOSE

BraveheartWilliam Wallace

ETHOS

LOGOS

PATHOS

APPEALS