Rhetoric!Rhetoric!

Mr. PettineMr. PettineAugust 21, 2015August 21, 2015

English 9English 9

What is Rhetoric?What is Rhetoric?Rhetoric is “the art of using language Rhetoric is “the art of using language

effectively so as to persuade or effectively so as to persuade or influence others”influence others”

Rhetorical SituationRhetorical Situation

Speakereaker

DefinitionsDefinitions Rhetor – the speaker or writer of a rhetorical act (speech, Rhetor – the speaker or writer of a rhetorical act (speech,

discourse, proclamation, etc.)discourse, proclamation, etc.)

Audience – group of real or imagined hearers of the rhetorical actAudience – group of real or imagined hearers of the rhetorical act

Exigence – the problem that the speaker is addressing - – “Exigence – the problem that the speaker is addressing - – “Any exigence is an imperfection marked by urgency; it is a defect, an obstacle, something waiting to be done, a thing which is other than it should be.” – It must be able to be modified

Constraints – The elements that restrain the topic and methods of a rhetorical act - “every rhetorical situation contains a set of constraints made up of person, events, objects, and relations which are parts of the situation because they have the power to constrain decision and action needed to modify the exigence “

Rhetorical SituationRhetorical SituationAfter a disaster, the political speaker will After a disaster, the political speaker will

address the situation at hand – Churchill address the situation at hand – Churchill during WWII, Kennedy during Cuban during WWII, Kennedy during Cuban Missile Crisis, Johnson after Kennedy Missile Crisis, Johnson after Kennedy Assassination, King during Civil Rights Assassination, King during Civil Rights Movement, Reagan after Movement, Reagan after ChallengerChallenger, , Bush after September 11 – in which the Bush after September 11 – in which the content of the speech is oriented around content of the speech is oriented around the Rhetorical Situation. What are some the Rhetorical Situation. What are some of the conventions of such a speech?of the conventions of such a speech?

Types of SpeechTypes of Speech Aristotle defined three branches of Aristotle defined three branches of

speeches (oratory)speeches (oratory) 1.) Forensic / Judicial Speech – 1.) Forensic / Judicial Speech –

speech found in courtroom or other speech found in courtroom or other legal contextlegal context

2.) Epideictic Speech – also known as 2.) Epideictic Speech – also known as display rhetoric, rhetoric concerned display rhetoric, rhetoric concerned with praise or blamewith praise or blame

3.) Deliberative Speech – rhetoric 3.) Deliberative Speech – rhetoric aimed at persuading a group of aimed at persuading a group of people regarding a course of action people regarding a course of action or beliefor belief

Rhetorical AppealsEthos – character

Pathos – emotion

Logos – reason / logic

THE RHETORICAL APPEALS

LOGOSLogos is:

Greek for “word” because we take their word for it

An appeal to logic and reason

Can be facts and statistics used for the argument

Example: "The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year, even in spite of market declines in other areas."

LOGOS EXAMPLES (LOGOS=LOGIC)

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: we have not only the fingerprints, the lack of an alibi, a clear motive, and an expressed desire to commit the robbery… We also have video of the suspect breaking in. The case could not be more open and shut.""It’s a matter of common sense that people deserve to be treated equally. The Constitution calls it ‘self-evident.’ Why, then, should I have been denied a seat because of my disability?""More than one hundred peer-reviewed studies have been conducted over the past decade, and none of them suggests that this is an effective treatment for hair loss."

PATHOSPathos is:

Greek for “suffering” or “experience”An emotional appeal, appeals to the reader’s emotionsThe emotional or motivational appeal

Example: "You will never be satisfied in life if you don’t seize this opportunity. Do you want to live the rest of your years yearning to know what would have happened if you just jumped when you had the chance?"

PATHOS EXAMPLES (PATHOS=EMOTIONS)

"If we don’t move soon, we’re all going to die! Can’t you see how dangerous it would be to stay?"

"I’m not just invested in this community – I love every building, every business, every hard-working member of this town."

"There’s no price that can be placed on peace of mind. Our advanced security systems will protect the well-being of your family so that you can sleep soundly at night."

ETHOSEthos is:

Greek for “character”An ethical appeal, based on the character of the authorWe tend to believe people whom we respect. The author’s credibility or speaker’s authority

Example: "You know me – I

’ve taught Sunday School at your church for years, babysat your children, and served as a playground director for many summers."

ETHOS EXAMPLES (ETHOS=ETHICS)

"As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results."

"My three decades of experience in public service, my tireless commitment to the people of this community, and my willingness to reach across the aisle and cooperate with the opposition, make me the ideal candidate for your mayor."

"The veterinarian says that an Australian shepherd will be the perfect match for our active lifestyle."

"If his years as a Marine taught him anything, it’s that caution is the best policy in this sort of situation."

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS?Four out of five dentists recommend Colgate toothpaste for a healthy smile.

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS?Eating too quickly will cause a stomach ache.

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LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS?If you loved me, you’d want to make me happy.

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS?The Surgeon General warns that smoking can adversely affect your health.

LOGOS, PATHOS, OR ETHOS?Without music, our world would be bleak.