Rhetoric and Argument. Techniques of and definitions associated with persuasive speaking and writing.

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1 Rhetoric and Argument Techniques of and definitions associated with persuasive speaking and writing.

2 Why do we argue? Human beings are engaged in explaining and defending their own actions and beliefs for at least two reasons: To justify what they do and think, both to themselves and to their audience To possibly solve problems and make decisions

3 Why do we argue? Think about the last argument you were in Write down some notes about the following: Who were you arguing with? What were you arguing about? Describe both sides of the argument. What strategies/points did each side make in order to defend their argument? Who was most successful in the end?

4 Rhetoric Rhetoric: the art of communicating ideas Persuasive rhetoric: reasoned arguments in favor of or against particular beliefs or courses of action. -MLK used persuasive rhetoric in his piece Stride Toward Freedom

5 Effective persuasion Should engage both the mind and emotions of the audience Make your audience think the problem is important enough for them to care about Shows that the writer s position has a firm moral basis

6 There are three basic types of appeals in persuasive arguments: Logical appeals Emotional appeals Ethical appeals

7 Logical appeals Provide rational arguments to support writers claims Deductive approach: start with generalization or premise then provide examples Inductive approach: start with examples then draw a conclusion ULR68LTmbw

8 Emotional appeals Often based on examples of suffering or potential threats. Often include loaded language language rich in connotations and vivid images (brilliant vs- smart or hideous vs- ugly) EZgmj5ay5Bk

9 Ethical appeals Based on shared moral values Call upon the audience s sense of justice, right, and virtue s7-k_5evs

10 Techniques used in persuasion 1) Identify your theme/purpose -- Lets your audience know what your main idea is what action or belief you would like them to take 2) Identify your audience -- ALWAYS use language and arguments appropriate to your audience!

11 Techniques cont d Tone: the author s attitude or feelings toward his or her subject matter Conveyed through diction (remember loaded language?), details, and direct statements The Use of Pronouns: I/you/he/she/them/we/you Using we can create a sense of unity and connection Using them can identify a common enemy.

12 Techniques cont d Elevated language: people tend to give more credence to someone who sounds intelligent Rhetorical questions: Questions that don t require answers the answers are considered obvious Ben Franklin: From such an assembly can a perfect product be expected?

13 Techniques cont d Repetition: repeating a point to emphasize its importance Expressing ideas in the same way also shows the audience that those points are connected Patrick Henry: The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come! Anaphora: regular repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases or clauses We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the field and in the streets

14 Other definitions Allusion: a reference to a person, place, event or literary work with which the author believes the reader will be familiar Patrick Henry warns colonists not to be betrayed with a kiss (a Biblical allusion to the Apostle Judas, who, with a kiss, identified Jesus to Roman soldiers)

15 Other definitions Anecdote: short entertaining account of something happening and frequently of a personal or biographical nature Albert Einstein was a late talker and his parents were worried about his mental development. At last, at the supper table one night, he broke his silence to say, The soup is too hot. Greatly relieved, his parents asked why he had never said a word before. Albert replied, Because up to now everything was in order.

16 Other definitions cont d Simile: comparison using like or as Abigail Adams writes that power and liberty are like heat and moisture Metaphor: comparing one thing to another NOT using like or as Adams writes our country is the first and greatest parent.

17 Other definitions cont d Hyperbole: deliberate (on purpose) exaggeration for emphasis Example: Four hostile newspapers are to be more feared than a thousand bayonets. Understatement: Purposefully representing something as much less than it really is Example: Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch; marry, tis enough. Tybalt (Romeo and Juliet)

18 Other definitions cont d Parallelism/ parallel structure: repeating a grammatical structure Abraham Lincoln: With malice toward none; with charity for all Antithesis: combination of contrasting ideas John F. Kennedy: Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country.

19 You will receive the pictures back from Friday. Your group will analyze ONE picture. Please write your group response on your notecard. You will be presenting these to the class. 1. What is the essential argument 2. How are the pictures or words persuasive? 3. Which devices are used? Ethos, Pathos, Logos? 4. What devices are used in your advertisement? (all other vocab that you took notes on)

20 Group Scenario You will now create your own argument. You will receive one scenario. Write out an argument in whatever form your group decides I.E a letter, public service announcement, commercial..etc. Every group member must participate in order to receive credit.