Date post: | 27-Mar-2015 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | patrick-robinson |
View: | 217 times |
Download: | 1 times |
Introduction to Rhetoric
Definition of Rhetoric
Aristotle defined rhetoric as “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.”
Other definitions of rhetoric: The art of persuasion “rhetoric is the art or science of men and women
communicating with other human beings” –James J. Murphy
Essential Questions for Unit
What techniques do writers and speakers use to deliver their messages? What is the effect of speaker, occasion, audience,
purpose, and subject?
How do writers and speakers appeal to the audience-ethos, logos, and pathos? What makes a speech effective?
How does structure relate to purpose? Just how powerful can one word be?
What are fallacies?
Aristotle’s Triangle/The Rhetorical Triangle
SPEAKER
SUBJECTAUDIENCE
“Near and Far”
The following clip shows how even something as basic as a children’s television show employs the rhetorical triangle.
Near and Far
Lou Gehrig “Farewell to Baseball” Speech
Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig (June 19, 1903 – June 2, 1941)
Played in 2,130 consecutive gamesInducted into baseball hall of fame in
1939Career cut short by ALS (which came to be
known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
Lou Gehrig videoLou Gehrig audio
Speaker/Persona
A term used for the author, speaker, or the person whose perspective (real or imagined) is being advanced in speech or a piece of writing.
In Sesame Street clip: Grover, a lovable monster, who is trusted by children.
They view him as a friend.
In Lou Gehrig’s speech: Professional baseball player: New York Yankee.
Presents himself as a common man
Audience
One’s listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed.
In Sesame Street clip: Preschoolers/toddlers
In Lou Gehrig’s speech: Fans, fellow athletes, those in the stadium, and those
who would hear the speech on the radio. He is addressing people rooting for him.
Subject
The topic addressed in a piece of writing.
In Sesame Street clip: The concept of near and far
In Lou Gehrig’s speech: His career in baseball with the Yankees How lucky and blessed he has been in his life
Context
The occasion or time and place
In Sesame Street clip: Part of Sesame Street television series
In Lou Gehrig’s speech: July 4, 1939 Recently revealed that Gherig was suffering from ALS Appreciation Day ceremony held in his honor at Yankee
Stadium Between a double-header
Purpose/Aim
The goal the speaker/writer wants to achieve
In Sesame Street clip: To educate and entertain
In Lou Gehrig’s speech: Remain positive/celebrate the occasion Downplay diagnosis
Tone
The attitude expressed by the speaker Examine the choice of words, emotions expressed, imagery
used to determine the speaker's attitude. May change within text.
In Sesame Street clip: Friendly Frustrated
In Lou Gehrig’s speech: Upbeat Humble
IDENTIFY:
1.SPEAKER2.AUDIENCE3.SUBJECT4.CONTEXT5.PURPOSE
BraveheartWilliam Wallace
ETHOS
LOGOS
PATHOS
APPEALS