Introduction to Rhetoric

We are going to begin our next unit today: Rhetorical Criticism

First, it'd be helpful to learn what rhetoric means--

rhetoric-The art of persuasion through speaking and writing.

Whenever we look at the rhetoric of someone's writing or speech, we try to identify 4 basic elements:

Purpose- what is the speaker arguing?

Audience-Who is the message intended for?

Style- what's the author's attitude toward his/her subject. We look for word choice (diction), images, and patterns)

Structure- How is the information organized? What types of ideas are introduced first. How about in the middle? What does the speaker finally conclude? Why does the order of these ideas matter?

An  easy way to remember those four elements: P.A.S.S.

The use of rhetorical devices/strategies appeal to audiences in 3 ways:

Logos

Appeals to the head using logic, numbers, explanations, and facts. Through Logos, a writer aims at a person's intellect. The idea is that if you are logical, you will understand.

Ethos

Appeals to the conscience, ethics, morals, standards, values, principles, justice 

Pathos

Appeals to the heart, emotions, sympathy, passions, sentimentality.

Hope you enjoy your new language "toys." We'll certainly have some fun "playing" with them in class.