Introduction To Rhetoric Theory

Anthony Morrow
Intro to Rhetorical Theory
CMST 210
Mini Paper 1
Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the study and use of languages that can either be expressed in written, spoken or visual form. Rhetoric is a tool that aids in investigating how language can be shaped and modified to shape people. In addition, rhetoric helps in organizing and sustaining social groups and in coordinating behavior of people in a society. Rhetoric integrates three appeals to the audiences that allow and encourage effective communication, namely the ethos, which involves the ability of an individual to evaluate oneself with consideration of the expectations of the audience and execution of communication strategies that allow one to influence, persuade and convince the audience
Communication investigates how data or messages are construed through the social context, cultural and political perspectives. However, for effective transfer of information from the speaker to the audience, rhetoric and communication must work together (Gehrke, 2009).
Study of rhetoric is very vital to human beings considering the fact that it helps in creating knowledge and in development of intellectual skills essential in addressing daily life situations, especially where a group of people is involved. It mediates power and produces change, and this is true following the argument that it enables people to communicate effectively when promoting change. The three types of appeals to the recipients or audiences support this argument.
Rhetoric contributes positively to the development of language in both oral and in writings, and this helps immensely as communication is made effective. It promotes communication, which entails appropriate message transfer and considerable understanding of the message by the targeted receivers. Information is power. Thus, rhetoric promotes effective information transfer hence it promotes power (Rorty,
It is essential in that it aids greatly in communication as it allows the speakers or tellers to have an overview of what to expect from the audience and how to respond back. Rhetoric differs from communication slightly with consideration of the fact that rhetoric is a tool that constructs effective communication. With less knowledge and understanding on rhetoric in language extensively leads to poor communication, and the converse is true. Thus, rhetoric promotes communication and hence creation of knowledge, development of messaging skills and promotion of power since effective transfer of information advances