aplang vocab

Rhetoric

Study of effective, persuasive use of language.

Rhetorical Situation

Specific circumstances around a speech or text that inform the author’s writing choices (SOAPS + exigence).

Exigence

Specific occasion/event that prompted the message to be spoken.

Purpose

The reason why the speaker is conveying a message.

Audience

The group of people the writer is speaking to.

Writer/Speaker

The individual who is doing the writing or speaking.

Context

The circumstances surrounding the situation.

Rhetorical or Aristotelian Triangle

The relationship between speaker, audience, and purpose (character/persona of the writer).

Rhetorical Appeals

Attempts by a speaker to persuade an audience (Ethos, Pathos, Logos).

Ethos

Establishing credibility or authority as a method of persuasion.

Pathos

Appeal to emotions, values, desires, hopes, fears, and prejudices.

Logos

Appealing to reason by offering clear, rational ideas - logical.