“Introduction,” Classical Rhetoric and the Modern Student 2nd CLASS

What is the communications triangle for "rhetorical act"?

-Graphic representation used to look at any rhetorical act

-Shows how any peice of writing/speech works

What are the parts of the triangle?

Three parts:

Speaker/writer (ethos)

Audience (pathos)

Context (logos) The topic

And in the middle is the text (The actual words used to deliver the message)

Function of triangle

It demonstrates how the three parts are always working together whenever someone is communicating formally

How did Aristotle define rhetoric?

'The faculty of discovering all the available means of persuasion in any given situation.'

-focused on the ability to find every possible argument available, rather than just winning.

What does Aristotle's definition of rhetoric emphasize?

It emphasizes the skill of the speaker to analyze a situation and uncover the best path to take.

argumentive mode vs expository mode

Argumentative modes: Actively debating a point

I want you to AGREE with me

Expository modes: Softly educating an audience to win acceptance of information or explanation.

I want you to UNDERSTAND ME

Rhetoric is a thoughtful tool of exploration. It is the ability to walk into any room, any problem, or any audience, and map out every single option you have to make them believe you.

rhetoric is a thoughtful tool of exploration. It is the ability to walk into any room, any problem, or any audience, and map out every single option you have to make them believe you.

Greek Etymology of rhetorical act

The word rhetoric comes from the ancient Greek phrase rhētorikē tekhnē, meaning "the art of an orator" or "the art of speaking"

Rhētōr (ῥήτωρ): A public speaker

tekne-"the art/craft/technique of"

five cannons of rhetoric

1. inventio-invent

2. dispositio-organization

3. elocutio-style

4.memoria-memorization

5. pronuntiatio-pronounciation

first cannon of rhetoric: Inventio

Term for "invention" or "discovery"

Finding and developing the best possible arguments and ideas you can use in a speech or piece of writing

"invent new ideas"

non artistic proof

using straight facts or laws to establish an argument

-the art of rhetoric is not required

artistic proof

arguments created by the speaker/writer

uses the art of rhetoric (ethos pathos logo)

special topics

specialized arguments for a specific topic

ex: in a courtroom: arguments about innocence, guilt, laws, evidence

common topics

general strategies that can be used in many arguments

ex: cause and effect, comparison, example, definition

the second cannon of rhetoric" Dispositio

the organization and structure of creating an argument

Six parts of Dispositio

Exordium

Narratio

Diviso

Confirmatio

Confutatio

Peroratio

exordium

introduction

narratio

main argument/statement

divisio

main reasons

confirmatio

evidence and examples

confutatio

rebuttal/opposing argument

peroratio

conclusion

3rd cannon of rhetoric

elocutio (style) Choice of words to express idea

3 levels of style, according to quintillian

1. low/plain attenuata style

2. middle mediocris

3. high/florid florida style

low/plain attenuata style

1. simple straightforward language

main goal: teach, inform explain to others

example : a teacher explaining how photosynthesis works

middle/forcible mediocris style

more pleasant and engaging language

main goal: to entertain or please an audience

ex: storytelling

high/florid florida style

powerful, emotional, moving language

-used to move an audience emotionally and encourage them to act

-persuade others to take action

ex: a powerful speech/protest

"Exercise improves your health and strengthens your muscles."

LOW PLAIN

If it sounds like a textbook → LOW/PLAIN

"Regular exercise can make you stronger, healthier, and more confident."

MIDDLE FORCIBLE

If it sounds engaging and energetic → MIDDLE/FORCIBLE

"With every pounding heartbeat and burning breath, exercise awakens the extraordinary strength hidden within us."

HIGH FLORID

If it sounds poetic/dramatic → HIGH/FLORID

Is it SIMPLE? → Low/PlainIs

it ENERGETIC? → Middle/ForcibleIs

it FANCY/DRAMATIC? → High/Florid

Memoria

Definition: Memorizing speeches/retaining information

Least focused cannon of rhetoric

Pronuntiatio

Delivery and presentation

Presentation of the speech

Those with strong arguments fail to execute point well if they have weak delivery

What is Major Consideration of Pronuntiatio?

Proper pitch

Volume

Emphasis

Pausing and Phrasing

Gesturing

Proper stance and posture

Facial expression and eyes

Three Kinds of Persuasive Discourse

1) Distinguish (generally) between Deliberative, Forensic, and Epideictic Discourse

Deliberative

What time is it focusing on?

-The future

The main goal

-convince an audience to either do something (exhort) or not do something (dissuade). Is the future action smart, beneficial, harmful, or safe?

This is the rhetoric of WHATS NEXT?

ex: assemblies, town halls, meetings

forensic

What time is it focusing on?

The past

The main goal

To accuse someone or defend someone regarding an event that already happened. It focuses heavily on questions of justice, injustice, guilt, and innocence.

This is the rhetoric of what happened, and who is to blame?

ex: courtoom

Epideictic

What time is it focusing on?

The present

The main goal

To praise someone or blame someone. It is designed to reinforce community values, celebrate virtues, or condemn bad behavior.

Definition

This is the rhetoric of lets enjoy the present now

Modern Examples

Praise: A best man giving a toast at a wedding, a eulogy honoring someone's life at a funeral, or a principal presenting a student with an award.

Relevance and importance of rhetoric:

Rhetoric is important because it is the art of using language effectively to communicate and persuade.

Helps persuade others

Helps you communicate clearly

Helps you recognize and use different tactics for persuasion

Used in everyday life