What is rhetoric ?
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Transcript of What is rhetoric ?
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?