Week 2_1/23/16_Defining Rhetoric

       Based on the information that I have obtained from the provided website, as well as what I have learned in past English courses, I would define rhetoric as the study of the use of writing techniques to effectively persuade readers. The site is quite helpful with determining the best definition for rhetoric because it explains the meaning with much detail. For example, Dr. Burton writes "A basic premise for rhetoric is the indivisibility of means from meaning; how one says something conveys meaning as much as what one says." Burton's point is that the connotation of the words used in writing can be impacted by how they are used in context. 

      Knowing how to use rhetorical devices and strategies is very important to this class, because most of our assignments focus on persuasive writing. I plan on using the website as a resource throughout the semester, because of the detailed explanations that it contains. We should definitely take the information on this website into consideration because of its relevance to our assignments and its ability to improve our understanding of rhetoric.

     Although it can be hard to persuade certain kinds of audiences, the effective use of rhetorical appeals can be a powerful tool in doing so. Pathos, or emotional appeal, is perhaps the most effective because most all people tend to respond emotionally to sensitive events or topics.In order to persuade with the most effectiveness, writers should use rhetorical appeals when it is contextually relevant and appropriate.

    After comparing what I've read in TSIS to what is on the website, I've been able to make some connections. For example, they both emphasize that good use of rhetoric can strengthen your argument, whereas unorganized and poor writing techniques can quickly lose you your audience. This is especially evident in the examples of the uses of the rhetorical appeals logos, ethos and pathos on the website. Because they were written so well, I found that I was engaged and convinced as a reader, and as we all know, that is ultimately the goal of persuasive writing.

      In closing, "The Forest of Rhetoric" (Silva Rhetoricae) is very useful in my opinion, and I have learned more about rhetorical appeals after having read it.

Burton, Gideon O. "The Forest of Rhetoric." Silva Rhetoricae. Brigham Young University, March 2001. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.