Week 12_4/15/16_Defining Rhetoric

From my week two post, I was clueless on rhetoric. I only knew that it dealt with literature and writing. Since then, my knowledge has grown tremendously on it. To explain my definition, I used Gideon Burton’s explanation how it is difficult to see the forest of rhetoric because of the trees. He was referring to the forest as the big picture and the trees as the different Greek and Latin terms. I still agree with his statement because there are many different parts and understandings of the word.

            Rhetoric is defined as the art of effective persuasive speaking or writing. This class is definitely about persuading the intended audience of something in a paper or presentation. In class when we do Fight Club we are demonstrating this. From arguing back and forth, we are trying to persuade the other person that your side is correct. My view on this definition has stayed the same. Although I agree with the definition I stated earlier, there could be more added to it such as tone, diction, and other techniques. When I started writing essays throughout school those were some of the first literary techniques I used. I believe more people are familiar with those and would gain a better understanding when hearing the word rhetoric for the first time. If they were told the definition with those terms in it, they would realize they have been using rhetorical devices for a good chunk of their life.

            After writing our advocacy paper, I feel like I have a great understanding of the word. Learning more about it through this class has allowed me to become more confident in my writing. I have never been the best writer before, but this class has allowed me to just go for it. I used to not know where to to start. From reading They say I Say, it has taught me how to make my writing better. Some examples would be on how to integrate quotations and then further explain them as well as I chose that specific quote. Something that came really helpful to me was to explain a quote by either agreeing, disagreeing, or doing both. It has stopped me from rambling on and eventually getting off topic.

            Writing the advocacy paper made me think of my audience while writing. I still agree from week two that audience plays an important role in rhetoric writing. Writing to the person who will be reading your work makes it more appealing. I also explained rhetoric by saying imitation is an important part. Dr. Gideon Burton stated that “Within rhetorical pedagogy it was the practice of imitation that most required students to analyze form and content.” I still agree with this because it can help persuade people if someone is timid in their writing.

            Overall, my definition has not changed but my knowledge for it has. By practicing writing and arguing in class, it has allowed me to become much better at persuading others in my work.