Advanced analysis of Rhetoric and Research

Rhetoric; by definition the study of effective speaking, writing and the art of persuasion. Rhetoric is an idea that has been around for centuries, the life and blood of intelligence and analysis, this single word is designed to encompass the meaning of all things related to the humanities. Now for the most part I agree with the definition presented by Burton, but one word in particular sticks out: effective. The study of rhetoric can't only include effective speaking writing and persuasion; a person must also learn ineffective techniques. To learn ineffective techniques is to learn how to avoid those same mistakes, for no one person is born an English major over night; mistakes are made, and those improper techniques must be learned in order to further an individuals understanding of a topic as a whole. The definition should be: the study of writing, speaking and the art of persuasion. A definition simplistic in appearance but all inclusive in the ideals of the humanities. 

      Now after trekking through the forest that Burton weaves on rhetoric, some interesting factoids and ideas specifically come to mind. Burton's ideas must be examined and utilized to help further a persons understanding of the basic techniques of rhetoric, each of his ideas must be taken into account, but at the end of the day writing and speaking are both expressions of individuality and shouldn't be defined by the ideas of an online site. Now the first helpful idea i found was one called kairos or the opportune timing of a person’s argument. This idea is probably my personal favorite; as a firm believer in the idea that timing is everything the strategy of kairos truly epitomizes my beliefs. A simple tactic but difficult to master, timing can turn an average idea into a game changer. The key to timing also relates to knowing your audience, a speaker must know their audience in order to be affective. The other main idea which I found helpful is ethos, credibility is crucial to gaining the trust of the audience, and if the audience doesn't feel a connection or respect for the speaker than any ideas that are stated the audience will immediately disregard. That's why it is pivotal to establish your credibility as a writer or speaker before you even present your work, cause without a decent reputation you won't have a audience to preach too. Now amidst the good ideas Burton expresses, some such as the idea of rhetoric pedagogy remain obsolete to the topic. The idea that people learn the strategies of rhetoric instead of being born with the ability is important to mention; however, the idea is not a crucial topic, likewise the skill of observation has been a staple of everyone’s rhetorical strategies making this topic even more trivial.

      The ideas that Burton expresses are truly insightful, they highlight the proper ways to explain and express rhetoric through both writing and speaking. His ideas make it clear the strategies of rhetoric necessary to craft an exquisite essay.

  Burton, Gideon. "The Forest of Rhetoric." Silva Rhetoricae. Brigham Young University, n.d. Web. 02 Sept. 2015. <http://rhetoric.byu.edu>