Memorandum

To: Kevin Garrison, Associate Professor of English

From: Victoria Nakamura
Date: October 31, 2016
Subject: Three Definitions of Rhetoric

Introduction
Rhetoric originated as a persuasive form of speech. The word has evolved and now has several
varied definitions; I will focus on three of its different meanings: the academic study of speech
and text, speech intended to prompt an action or a certain belief that aligns with the speaker,
and a text that conveys a message designed to influence the reader.

Rhetoric as a Subject
Rhetoric as a field of study is a subsection of English. The study of rhetoric is an alternative
option when choosing an academic specialization within the field of English. Most people do
not realize that English is not confined to literature and literary analysis, but rather it
encompasses the study of language itself. By studying rhetoric people can develop strategies to
persuade through elocution (public speech) and the written word. Effective persuasion can
make someone a better interpersonal communicator at work and with peers. In addition,
people who convince others to side for or against a topic can more easily advance their agenda.

The Origin of Rhetoric

The second definition of rhetoric is persuasive speech; the art of oration originated in ancient
Greece. Plato defined rhetoric as the act of winning the soul through discourse. Traditional
rhetors acted as rudimentary lawyers. They would present their side of facts and truths to an
audience and based on their oration the fate of the hearing could be swayed. Traditional
rhetors used ethos, pathos, and logos, and rhetors today still use these devices because they
establish credibility through emotion, logic, and ethics. The combination of these devices
creates an argument that can change a majority of peoples preconceived opinions.

Rhetoric as Text
The definition of rhetoric now also includes textual pieces as well as speeches. Originally
rhetoric was only considered effective if given in the form of a speech. Tone and voice were
major components of rhetoric. During a speech, rhetors can evaluate their audience, and they
can change their tone and voice to better fit their listeners. In written discourse, however, the
author cannot control how readers perceive their ideas, but this provides the reader an
opportunity to analyze a work and form their own opinion. Because authors cannot actively
persuade every reader, they use the same rhetorical devices of ethos, pathos, and logos in their
writing. The inclusion of these devices allows the author some rhetorical control, but ultimately
the readers opinions remain their own, which allows for readers to make their own ideas and
conclusions.

Refer to Figure 1 to better understand these three types of rhetoric and how they intersect.
 Rhetoric as an Both utilize
academic field strategies in order to
studies the convince the
intricacies of audience/reader.
rhetoric as
speech. Speech as the Traditional
Form of Rhetoric
-Utilizes the ethos pathos and
logos appeals
-Used by the first "lawyers"

Textual Forms of
Rhetoric
The Study of Rhetoric -Relies on schemes or
-Analyzes both oration tropes to convince the
and written work reader
-Can help people develop -Can possibly be
the skills to persuade misinterpruted
-Allows the reader to form
their own opinion

Rhetorical text uses schemes

The study of Rhetoric is based
on oral and textual rhetoric;
reversely, the schemes and
tropes used in speech and text
can be learned through
Rhetorical study.
and tropes such as metaphor
and topoi (a "commonplace"
that readers can connect with,
for example American
patriotism) these devices are
major components in rhetorical
study.

Figure 1: Rhetoric Venn Diagram