And the Age of Reason

Persuasion

Age of Reason

Introduced the scientific method! Moving away from Puritanical religion. Seeking revision in social structures.

Common themes of this period:(Remember the 3 Rs)

Rebellion, Revolution, and Protest

Rationalism

Relationship to Society

Elements of Effective PersuasionAristotle divided the means of

Persuasion into three categories1. Logos: Is the reasoning logical? Or

is it reaching? Deductive (big to small) or Inductive (small to big generaliztion)

2. Ethos: Is the speaker credible? Should I even be listening to him/her? Is he/she an authority on the topic?

3. Pathos: Does he/she appeal to my sense of emotion? Am I being moved?

Be sure you address all three parts of the rhetorical triangle!

Also, address the opposition. Address the other argument that could be made as well. Don’t dismiss the other side!

Persuasive Techniques

Introduction (attention grabber)Organization! Have a flow of ideas that’s easy to follow. Have some organizational pattern….PREWRITE!Proof and Support!!! Substantiate your claim with evidence! Do you have proof? Reputable sources? Statistics? Or are you merely stating opinions?

Persuasive Techniques

Logic: Does it follow a sense of logic? Again, does it make sense? Or is it just based on opinion? Loaded Language: Does the language support your claim? Does it move you? Do your words establish the appropriate mood?

Rhetorical Devices

Call to Action: Does it demand something of you? Does it inspire you to act? Elevated Language: Is it eloquent? Articulate? Does it sound intelligent? Rhetorical Question: This question, which does not look for an actual answer, does it make you think? Does it make you reevaluate or reconsider?

Rhetorical Devices

Appeals to Emotion: Does it also sink in emotionally? Or is it too logical? Remember Aristotle's pathos! Repetition: Does it emphasize points by using certain words, phrases, or images over and over? Is it effective? Or obnoxious? Conclusion: Is everything tied up in the end? Does it end with a bang? A flourish? Does it make you want to stand up and cheer? Fight?

Rhetorical Devices

Parallelism: Does the use of the same beginning sentence structure have an impact on the audience? (i.e. He has promised; he has coaxed; he has tempted to ingratiate himself with our colony…)

Anecdote: Does the inclusion of a short, funny story help make the point? Does it belittle the opposition?

Rhetorical Devices

Verbal Irony: Does the use of sarcasm illuminate the ridiculousness of the opposition? Satire: Does the use of such irony, ridicule, sarcasm denounce the opposition and its vices? Does it again highlight the hypocrisy of the other opinion?

Figurative Language

Analogy: Does the comparison of two unlike things solidify a point? Does it make it more comprehensible? Metaphor: Is the implication that one thing is another effective? Think of The Crucible where the whole event was an extended metaphor for the Red Scare!Simile: Is a comparison using “like” or “as” effective? Does it help support your claim? Does it increase your logos? Pathos?

Figurative Language

Allusions: Is making references to other well-known facts, works of literature, etc. effective? Do you increase your credibility/ethos? Style: Is your DICTION (choice of words) appropriate for your subject? Is your SYNTAX (sentence structure/word order) working? Do you sound authoritative? Or unsure?

Oral Delivery!

Volume: use the rise and fall of your voice. Keep your audience on their toes! Don’t bore them to tears with a monotonous voice!

Enunciate: Pronounce every vowel and consonant.

Poise: Handle it with aplomb! Stand with confidence, move with suave, charm with body language. Look the part! Act the part!

Being a Receptive Audience

Listen! Don’t put your head down. Don’t doodle in your notebook. Smile! Look like you actually enjoy the speech. Nod in agreement. Shift your head as though in thought…