Rhetoric

Rhetoric

The faculty of discerning in any given case the available means of persuasion.

Trivium

The foundational components of rhetoric, grammar, and logic.

Quadrivium

The mathematical components of education including astronomy, mathematics, geometry, and music.

Rhetorical Situation

The context in which someone is trying to persuade you.

Exigence

The importance and timeliness of an argument.

Intrinsic Exigence

The personal significance of an argument to the rhetor.

Extrinsic Exigence

The external significance of an argument known to the audience.

Kairos

The concept of the opportune moment for an argument.

Rhetorical Appeals

Modes of persuasion that determine the best angle to use for persuading an audience.

Strategies

Concrete choices and devices used by the rhetor after determining the angle of persuasion.

Canons of Rhetoric

The essential elements that make up any argument: Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, and Delivery.

Invention

The process of generating an argument by finding existing ideas.

Arrangement

The order in which material is presented in an argument.

Style

The expression of language complexity and rhetorical devices used in an argument.

Memory

Techniques used to remember a speech, such as the mind palace approach.

Delivery

Oral delivery techniques including volume, speed, tone, and visual presentation.

Plato's View on Rhetoric

Rhetoric creates beliefs about right and wrong without teaching true morality.

Aristotle's Definition of Rhetoric

The faculty of discerning the available means of persuasion.

Cicero’s Five Canons of Rhetoric

Includes Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, and Delivery as essential components.

Ethos

An appeal to character that establishes credibility with the audience.

Logos

An appeal to logic and reason in arguments.

Pathos

An appeal to emotion in persuasive arguments.

Decorum

Argument by character that aligns with audience’s expectations.

Fallacy

An error in reasoning that undermines the logic of an argument.

Forensic Rhetoric

Judicial rhetoric focused on issues of blame and justice, typically in the past tense.

Epideictic Rhetoric

Ceremonial rhetoric that deals with values; focused on the present tense.

Deliberative Rhetoric

Legislative rhetoric that discusses policy and choice, aimed at the future.

Syllogism

A logical reasoning statement consisting of a major premise, minor premise, and conclusion.

Inductive Reasoning

Arguing from specific instances to a general conclusion.

Enthymeme

A two-part argument where one or more premises are unstated.

Modes of Discourse

Genres of writing and speech that can be used for persuasion.

Narration

Storytelling used as a rhetorical strategy.

Comparison/Contrast

A rhetorical strategy that highlights similarities and differences between subjects.

Causal Relationship

Exploring cause-and-effect dynamics within an argument.

Metaphor

A rhetorical device that makes comparisons between unrelated subjects.

Rhetorical Triangle

The interaction between the speaker, audience, and message in persuasion.

Purposes of Rhetoric

To stimulate emotions, change opinions, and prompt action.

Virtue in Rhetoric

When the audience believes you share their values

Quintilian's Belief

Only a good man can be an orator, emphasizing the importance of credibility.

Heinrich's Argument Focus

Arguments should center around choices rather than swerving into values.

Plato's Skepticism

Criticism of rhetoric as a potential sacrifice of truth.

Artifice in Rhetoric

Superficial appearances or manipulations in persuasive communication.

Wayne Booth's Teaching

It is challenging but possible to teach the art of persuasion effectively.

Audience's Values

Supporting audience values earns temporary trust and rhetorical virtue.

Expository Writing

A mode of discourse that explains and informs.

Disinterest in Rhetoric

when you seem to be impartial, caring onlu about the audience’s interests rather than your own.

Craft/Practical Wisdom in Rhetoric

When you appear to know the right thing to do on every occasion