Introduction to the Rhetorical Situation

Rhetoric

Art of effective communication

Communication

only effective if the desired or intended result is acheived

Rhetorical Situation

refers to the instance in which communication is taking place

Elements of the Rhetorical Situation

Speaker, Subject/Purpose, Audience, Context

Ethos

(ethics) of the communicator; how the author builds credibility and trustworthiness (persuades if aligned with audience)

Logos

(logic) of the message; the argument itself; the reasoning the author uses; logical evidence (persuades if truthful and accurate)

Pathos

(emotions) of the audience; words or passages an author uses to activate emotions (strongest appeal; call to action)

Basic Rhetorical Triangle

(image)

Message

Contains claim/argument and purpose

Appeal for message

Logos

Appeal for Audience

Pathos

Appeal for Communicator

Ethos