An Introduction to rhetoric

1. An Introduction to rhetoric Understanding the Ability to Persuade

2. What is rhetoric? Aristotle: Greek philosopher 384-322 B.C.E. 1: the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a: the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b: the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion (“rhetoric”). Aristotle said rhetoric is “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion”(Aristotle qtd. in Shea, et.al. 1).

3. The Key Elements of Rhetoric “Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans….” (Gehrig qtd. in Shea, et. al.). Lou Gehrig's Speech on Youtube In order to view the link, you need to view this PPT as a slide show, from current slide, above.

4. Why is this speech effective? • What are some of the effective aspects of this speech? • Context • The occasion or the time and place it was written or spoken • Purpose • Goal that the speaker or writer wants to achieve

5. A clear and focused statement • Gehrig has a crystal clear idea: • He’s the “luckiest man on earth.” • His thesis or assertion is a clear and focused statement. • Further, Gehrig knows his subject: • Baseball in general • and • The Yankees in particular

6. Subject, Speaker, and Audience “A plain spoken, positive appreciation for what he has had and a champion’s courageous acceptance of the challenges that lie before him”(Shea et. al.).

7. The Rhetorical Triangle Speaker (or writer or director) Audience (or reader or viewer) Subject

8. Effective Persuasive Writers • Must: • Choose a subject • Evaluate what they already know about it • What others have said about it, and • What kind of evidence or proof will sufficiently develop their position

9. How to persuade using the three elements of rhetoric Ethos Logos Pathos

10. How to persuade using… Ethos “Character” Credible Trustworthy

11. How to persuade using… Ethos Imagine a speech discouraging children from using alcohol. How could a speaker appeal to ethos?

12. How to persuade using… Ethos Appeals to ethos often emphasize shared values between the speaker and the audience.

13. Ethos • In some cases, a speaker’s reputation immediately establishes ethos. • Can you think of an example of a speaker who would automatically have ethos?

14. Ethos • Expertise • Knowledge • Experience • Training • Sincerity

15. Logos • “Embodied Thought” REASON • Writers appeal to logos by offering clear, rational ideas 1. Thesis 2. Specific details • Examples • Facts • Data • Expert testimony

16. Lou Gehrig’s Speech • What is his thesis? • That he is “the luckiest man of the face of the earth.” • What are his supporting points? • Seventeen years of playing baseball • Belief in the kindness and encouragement of his fans Good people Sterling team Blessing of a supportive family

17. Logos Counterargument • Anticipate objections Or • Opposing views • Concede or agree • Refute or deny

18. Logos By conceding and refuting, you actually strengthen your argument; it appeals to logos by demonstrating that you considered your argument carefully.

19. Pathos • “Emotion”

20. Pathos • “greatest” • “wonderful” • “grand” • “honored” • “blessing”

21. Pathos • Vivid concrete description • Figurative language