Persuasion and Rhetoric Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering rhetorical situation terms, rhetorical appeals, rhetorical choices, and unit vocabulary based on the Persuasion and Rhetoric study guide.

Speaker

The person who delivers the message and the experience or perspective they bring to it.

Audience

The individual or group being addressed, as well as anyone else who may hear or read the message.

Purpose

What the speaker wants the audience to think, feel, believe, or do; the desired result.

Exigence

The problem, event, or stimulus that prompts a response and gives the reason to speak now.

Context

The surrounding historical, social, or political circumstances that shape the message.

Central argument

The main claim that connects the whole speech.

Bias

The perspective or preference that shapes the speaker's presentation.

Genre

The kind of message being delivered, such as a speech, testimony, or letter.

Ethos

A rhetorical appeal that builds credibility through experience, knowledge, character, or shared identity.

Pathos

A rhetorical appeal that appeals to emotions, values, or concerns.

Logos

A rhetorical appeal that uses reasons, facts, examples, or data to support a claim.

Kairos

A rhetorical principle that uses the right moment and circumstances to make a message timely and persuasive.

Repetition

A rhetorical choice that repeats words or ideas to emphasize a message, create urgency, or build a tone.

Contrast

A rhetorical choice that shows differences to reveal inequality, inconsistency, or competing priorities.

Metaphor

A rhetorical choice that compares unlike things directly.

Simile

A rhetorical choice that makes an explicit comparison using like or as.

Allusion

A rhetorical choice that refers to a familiar text, person, event, or idea to draw on its meaning.

Rhetorical question

A rhetorical choice that asks a question to challenge thinking or make a point rather than seek an answer.

Concession

A rhetorical choice that acknowledges a reasonable point from an opposing view.

Rebuttal

A rhetorical choice that answers or challenges the opposing view with a reason or evidence.

Tone

The speaker's attitude toward the topic or audience.

Coalition

People or groups working together toward a shared goal.

Inheritance

Something received from earlier generations, including a lasting legacy.

Contingent

Dependent on a condition; often followed by on.

Solicit

Ask for or seek something.

Endorse

Support or express approval of something.