What Rhetoric Means to Me

Rhetoric is the study of writing and speaking intelligently, persuasively and clearly to form a successful argument.  I think this website has a pretty streamline definition of rhetoric, "the study of effective speaking and writing. And the art of persuasion. And many other things."  And clearly, I am in strong agreement with their definition.  I do think an important aspect of rhetoric, however, is using all the techniques correctly to create a successful argument.  The websites last statement however is rather vague for a definition and encompasses many "things". In regards to successfully creating an argument, I think it is important to think about incorporating pathos and style, addressing your audience, and sensitivity to kairos.

I think it is critical to incorporate pathos and style when writing using rhetoric.  Pathos gets your audience invested in your writing.  He or she feels attached to what you are arguing if it hits closer to home.  While the website states that rhetoric is often criticized for over using pathos, logos and ethos, I think that pathos is overused but rightfully so.  Pathos is very attached to style.  The figures of speech are often employed to persuade through emotional appeals, according to the website.  I do agree that there is something about a writing style with an open mind that persuades the audience more so than a writing style in a different, more one-sided manner.  With the website defining rhetoric as the study of "effective" speaking, the author must use techniques, such as Graff's agree and disagree technique in They Say I Say, while speaking to the audience to ensure the audience agrees with, or at least clearly understands, his message.
   
Secondly, considering your audience is an important part of rhetoric.  In order to know what types of pathos and style you should be using, it is important to understand who you are speaking to.  I believe every text or speech should cater directly to their anticipated audience.  It is crucial because the audience has the potential to influence the way the author or speaker chooses to deliver their argument.  Knowing your audience is arguably the most effective way to set your argument up for success.  With that being said, it is also important that the author is sensitive to kairos.  Kairos goes hand in hand with audience as well.  If you know your audience well when forming a persuasive argument, it is assumed you know what is going on in their lives as a whole.  Being aware of different circumstances your audience is dealing with is important so that you can appeal to their emotions as well. That is where all three tie together to form a clear, persuasive, intelligent and therefore successful argument.

I think this website was extremely helpful because I was confused as to what rhetoric was and how I could practice it in my writing, but after perusing the site, it has become more clear to me.  To me, everything made sense except the "Branches" of Oratory.  That section of the site was a little wordy and confusing.  Other than that section, I enjoyed learning about the true definition of rhetoric.  In addition to the definition, I understand how rhetoric is important in relation to our class too.  Today when we did the Fight Club exercise of arguing about the New York Times article, I see that different strategies I read about can play into convincing the other team of why my argument is correct.

Burton, Gideon O. "The Forest of Rhetoric." Silva Rhetoricae. Brigham Young

University, n.d. Web. 3 Sept. 2015. <http://rhetoric.byu.edu/>.