Rhetoric = the effective use of language—：修辞是有效使用语言的—.doc

Rhetoric = the effective use of language— RHETORIC (1) The study and practice of effective communication. (2) The art of persuasion. Acting on another through words. (James Moffet) (3) An insincere eloquence intended to win points and manipulate others. (Politicians often use rhetoric to manipulate others.) (4) The art of analyzing all the choices involving language that a writer, speaker, reader, or listener might make in a situation so that the text becomes meaningful, purposeful, and effective. (5) The specific features of texts, written or spoken, that cause them to be meaningful, purposeful, and effective for readers or listeners in a situation. Q: Is rhetoric positive or negative? A: If you agree with the speaker, you will find rhetoric to be positive. If you disagree with the speaker or if the speaker is using several words that sound pretty but don’t really say much (i.e. circumlocution) then you will find the rhetoric to be empty or negative. Every writer is trying to have her way with you. The techniques and choices she uses to get her point across or to convince you are rhetorical strategies/devices. SOAPS: Subject What is the subject of the piece? How do you know this? How has the subject been selected and presented by the author? Occasion What may have prompted the author to write this piece? What event led to its publication or development? Audience Intended audience *Purpose Intended purpose (Texts can have more than one purpose.) Speaker/ Author Is there someone identified as the speaker? Can you make some assumptions about this person? What class does the author come from? What political bias can be inferred? What gender? What are his or her qualifications? Credentials? Reputation? Experience? Rhetorical Devices/Strategies—The building blocks: Selection of words with specific connotations Selection of detail Omission of detail Selection of authorities/quotes to cite vs. omission of authorities cited as evidence Tone (Created by