Definition of Rhetoric 2.0

            Throughout this class, I have had many opportunities to practice my rhetorical skills and really learn what rhetoric is through practice. After this semester, I would say that a good condensed definition for rhetoric is the definition used for this class in vocabulary quizzes, “the art of effective expression.” However, I think this definition can be expanded upon.

            One of the most important facets of rhetoric is audience. One has to take into consideration the kind of people that will be listening to a particular speech or reading a particular text. If the audience were a group of pre-school aged children, then one would need to use smaller, simpler words and concepts. However, if the paper is part of one’s doctoral thesis, the words, sentences, and concepts can be a bit more in-depth and complicated for that particular level of work. One would not use the same kind of words for both of these audiences, because one style would not always be appropriate for the other audience. Audience determines almost everything about how one forms their essay, speech, presentation, or other persuasive piece.

            Another important aspect of rhetoric is diction. The words used are very important in order for an argument to be understood. The concepts of audience and diction are very intertwined; the type of words and phrases used in order for communication to be effective can differ based on who will be listening to or reading that particular communication. Just as described above, different words and ideas would be used based on who the argument would be aimed towards.

            Finally, another important aspect is the type of appeal towards the audience that is used. Ethos, logos, and pathos can all be used to help persuade an audience on a particular subject. Ethos is the appeal to the audience by proving the credibility of a source or author, and can be used to show that information is reliable and valid. Logos is the appeal to logic, which can be used to show the logical, reasonable side behind an argument. Pathos is the appeal to the audience’s emotion, and forms an argument that evokes an emotional response from the audience. Each of these appeals towards the audience can be used, depending on who the audience is. These appeals can also determine the kind of diction used as well, which makes all three of these aspects rhetorically intertwined.

            There are many ways that I have learned everything that is involved in rhetoric, particularly in this class. Fight Club has helped me learn argumentative tactics for oral argumentation. Blog posts have helped me argue for or against certain topics and take into consideration my audience and also write in a more informal manner than would be used in a formal essay. Finally, this class has helped me successfully write a long argumentative essay. I have never written a paper this long before, and this class made me confident that I can write a paper of this length without detracting from the strength of my argument or being too repetitive.

            In conclusion, my definition and understanding of rhetoric is “the art of effective expression, in regards to audience, diction, and tactics of appeal.”