The Basics of Rhetoric

1. The Basics of Rhetoric An introduction

2. Learning Targets • Target 1: I can define rhetoric. • Target 2: I can use the three rhetorical analysis questions to analyze a text. • Target 5: I can differentiate between summary and rhetorical analysis.

3. What is Rhetoric? A few definitions to know

4. Definitions of Rhetoric • Aristotle’s Definition: • the art of observing in any given case the “available means of persuasion” • Other Definitions: • “The study of effective speaking and writing.” • -Silva Rhetoricae • “ The art of speaking or writing effectively” • Merriam-Webster • “The art of effective communication”

5. The Major Players of Rhetoric 3 things to consider

6. The start of Rhetorical Situation Author – the creator of the communication Audience – the receiver of the communication Subject – the topic of the communication

7. What is Rhetorical Analysis? **Note: that was not a rhetorical question

8. The Components… • Rhetoric = effective speaking and writing • Analysis = identifying the parts or features of something and explaining how these features work together

10. Rhetorical Analysis • Ratliff’s definition: • Breaking apart the pieces of a message to better understand how the message is conveyed. • Communication mediums – speaking, writing, visual • Techniques of… • Language (our major focus) • Images • Verbal inflections

11. Summary vs. Analysis • Summary is merely stating what the author says. • Analysis is dissecting what the author does with language to communicate powerfully.

12. “Does” Verbs • Brainstorm…The author __________ Exemplifies States Claims Argues Establishes Appeals to Supports Begins Corroborates Reassures Retorts Mentions Compliments Refers Alludes Uses Develops Provides Cites Refutes Synthesizes Compares Deepens Reasons Illustrates Lists Explains Elaborates

13. So how do we start? Ask 3 questions

14. 3 Rhetorical Questions • 1. What is the message? • 2. How is the message being conveyed? • 3. Why is the message being conveyed?