Rhetorical Triangle

In this unit, you will begin to learn how to understand the rhetorical techniques that speakers use to advance their point of view.

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Section A: What is Rhetoric?

Rhetoric is using the tools of language to shape an argument and make a convincing point.

Aristotle taught that a speaker’s ability to persuade an audience is based on how well the speaker reaches the audience through three different areas.

Aristotle called these three areas modes of persuasion: logos, pathos, and ethos.

· Logos: appeal to logic

§ way of persuading an audience through reason

· Pathos: appeal to emotion

§ Speaker uses vivid ideas and imagery to connect with audience members

· Ethos: appeal to character

§ relates to ethics, or the characteristics or behaviors of a person

Let's Practice: Rhetorical Modes

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Section B: Rhetorical Techniques

Rhetorical techniques are used in written and spoken arguments, but throughout this unit, you will focus on spoken arguments made through speeches. It is a technique used to evoke emotions within the reader or audience. Skilled writers use many different types of rhetorical devices in their work to achieve specific effects. Below are some examples.

Rhetorical Techniques	Description
Idiom	an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements
Metaphor	comparison of two dissimilar things by speaking of one in terms of the other-unlike a simile, a metaphor asserts that one thing is the other thing
Repetition	a technique in which a sound, word, phrase, or line is repeated for emphasis
Rhetorical question	a question that is asked to make a point, rather than to elicit an answer from the audience

Let’s Practice: Rhetorical Techniques

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Section C: Point of View

The point of view is the perspective or attitude from which a writer or speaker presents information. It is how a writer or speaker views something, or his or her attitude toward a topic, subject, issue, or situation. Background knowledge and life experiences can affect a person’s perspective and attitude or approach to a topic, subject, issue, or situation. This will influence the content of their writing.

The point of view is reflected in the words an author chooses and through the tone of the writing.

In a speech, the point of view is conveyed in the content of the speech and through the delivery by the speaker.

Rhetoric is how speakers use words to express their position or try to advance their point of view while communicating with an audience.

Let’s Practice: Famous Speech

Louis Gehrig was a Major League Baseball first baseman for the New York Yankees. He delivered this speech on July 4, 1939. It serves as a tribute to Gehrig’s brilliant career and his record of 2,130 consecutive games. At the top of his game, Gehrig was stricken with the crippling disease that now bears his name-Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS.

Read the speech below then answer the question.

Cite two details from the speech that helped you to determines his point of view. ANSWER