Rhetoric
The art or study of using language effectively
and persuasively.
also
Skill in using language effectively and
persuasively.
If we are to use rhetoric,
we need to understand the
Aristotelian model and
apply the concepts
accordingly.
Aristotelian Model
pathos
ethos
logos
Pathos


the quality or power
of evoking a feeling of
pity or compassion.
The feeling, as of
sympathy or pity, so
aroused.
Ethos


The way in which the
audience perceives
the integrity or
character of the
speaker
The credibility of the
speaker
Logos


Rational argument
Logic behind the arguments
Types of Logic

Inductive reasoning- going from a specific
instance to a generalization

EX: using a case study to draw a conclusion
Types of Logic

Deductive Reasoning- going from
generalizations to specifics

EX:
all students go to school
 you are a student
 therefore you should go to school

Some examples of
Faulty Logic

Hasty Generalization-

Circumstantial Evidence-

False Analogy-

Ignoring the Question-

Unsupported Assertion-

Playing with numbers-
conclusion
not using enough evidence to draw a
does not prove it
same
only suggests a conclusion; it
comparing 2 things that are not really the
topic at hand
divert attention away from the
occurs when you make statements
that have no evidence to support them
using statistics to bias the argument
Strategic order of main points in
speech
Chronological Order


These speeches follow a time pattern
They may narrate a series of events in
which they happened
Spatial Order

These speeches follow a directional
pattern- top to bottom, left to right, front
to back, etc

Example:
The 5 major land regions in Spain
 The three main parts of the Eiffel Tower

Causal Order

These arrange the main points to show a cause
and effect relationship
You can begin by showing the causes and finishing
with the effects
OR
You can begin by showing the effects and finishing with
the causes

Problem- Solution Order

These speeches are divided into 2 main
parts
12-
the seriousness or existence of a
problem
the possible or workable
solution to the problem
Topical Order
(sometimes called String of Beads)
The topic that would require this order does not follow
or cannot follow any of the other orders.
 An example of Topical order would be if you were to
speak on the different kinds of Fireworks and your main
points were
1. Skyrockets
2. Roman Candles
3. Pinwheels.
These are related but cannot be organized by any other
method.

Writers/speakers use appeals



Ethos (the ethical appeal)--Writers create a
relationship with readers that is based on a kind
of trust.
Logos (the logical appeal)--Writers use logical
reasoning in order to appeal to a readers’ sense
of objectivity and reason.
Pathos (the emotional appeal)--Writers use
emotional appeals to reach readers because this
appeal is the strongest, most direct.
Speaker
Ethos
The writer/speaker establishes
credibility by:
1. Demonstrating knowledge about
the topic
2. Establishing common ground
with the audience through
respect and concern
3. Demonstrating fairness and
evenhandedness
Audience
Message
Components of Rhetoric – Aristotle’s Triangle
Speaker
The argument’s reasoning is underscored
through:
1. examples, precedents, and narratives
2. Citing authority and testimony
3. Establishing causes and effects
4. Using inductive and deductive
reasoning
Audience
Logos
Message
Components of Rhetoric – Aristotle’s Triangle
Speaker
The writer appeals to readers by:
1. Using description and concrete
language
2. Using figurative language
3. Shaping appeal(s) to a specific
audience
Pathos
Audience
Message
Components of Rhetoric – Aristotle’s Triangle
Summary



You must know your audience and be able
to evoke a sense of camaraderie with
them (pathos)
You must know what you are arguing and
prove that you know what you are talking
about (ethos)
You must use sound logic and reasoning
(logos)