Rhetoric and Communication Principles

Questions and Answers

What does the communications triangle connect?

The writer or speaker, the subject matter, and the audience.

What is Aristotle's definition of rhetoric?

The faculty of discovering in any particular case all of the available means of persuasion in any given situation.

From which Greek words or phrases does 'rhetoric' derive?

Rhēma

Rhētor

Eirō

All of the above (correct)

What are the Five Canons of Rhetoric?

Inventio, Dispositio, Elocutio, Memoria, Pronuntiatio. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Inventio' literally mean?

Invention or discovery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between artistic and non-artistic proofs?

Non-artistic proofs do not need to be invented and include sources like laws and witnesses, while artistic proofs must be created within the scope of rhetoric. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of artistic proofs?

Rational (logos), emotional (pathos), and ethical (ethos). Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between special topics and common topics?

Special topics are reserved for specific circumstances, while common topics can apply to any situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Dispositio' concerned with?

The organization of ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six parts of Dispositio?

Exordium, Narratio, Diviso, Confirmatio, Confutatio, Peroratio. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Elocutio'?

Style in speech, involving the choice of proper words. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three levels of style?

Low/plain style, middle/forcible style, and high/florid style. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three considerations of style?

Choice of words, composition or arrangement of words, and tropes and figures. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Memoria' involve?

The part of discourse involved with memorizing speeches. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Pronuntiatio'?

Delivery, or how a speech is given. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between voice and actio in rhetoric?

Voice refers to how one speaks, while actio refers to gestures made while speaking. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of persuasive discourse?

Deliberative, forensic, and epideictic. Signup and view all the answers

What is deliberative discourse?

Rhetoric that addresses broad public audiences concerning future action proposals. Signup and view all the answers

What is forensic discourse?

Rhetoric that judges arguments about past events and seeks to defend or condemn actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is epideictic discourse?

Ceremonial speeches meant to please or inspire rather than persuade. Signup and view all the answers

What can be gained from the study of rhetoric?

Improved critical reading, effective speech writing, and a stronger resistance to propaganda. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication Triangle

Connects the writer/speaker, subject matter, and audience.
Each element interacts through the text to convey messages.

Aristotle's Rhetoric

Defined as the ability to discover available means of persuasion in specific situations.

Origins of "Rhetoric"

Derived from Greek terms:
- Rhēma: "a word"
- Rhētor: "a teacher of oratory"
- Eirō: "I say"

Five Canons of Rhetoric

Inventio: Invention or discovery of arguments.
Dispositio: Organization of ideas.
Elocutio: Style and expression of thoughts.
Memoria: Memorization of speeches.
Pronuntiatio: Delivery of the speech.

Inventio

Refers to the process of finding arguments to use in discourse.

Artistic vs Non-Artistic Proofs

Non-Artistic Proofs: Exist without invention; includes laws, witnesses, contracts, etc.
Artistic Proofs: Involves invention; crafted through rhetorical techniques.

Three Types of Artistic Proofs

Rational (Logos): Appeals to logic and reasoning.
Emotional (Pathos): Engages the audience's feelings.
Ethical (Ethos): Appeals to the audience's sense of ethics.

Topics of Discourse

Special Topics: Relevant in specific contexts, like courtrooms.
Common Topics: Applicable in various situations.

Dispositio

Concerns the organization of ideas within discourse.

Six Parts of Dispositio

Exordium: Introduction of the speech.
Narratio: Explanation of the argument.
Divisio: Outline of the points being discussed.
Confirmatio: Presentation of evidence and proofs.
Confutatio: Rebuttal of opposing arguments.
Peroratio: Conclusion of the discourse.

Elocutio

Focuses on the choice of words and style for effective expression.

Three Levels of Style

Low/Plain: Instructive and clear.
Middle/Forcible: Emotionally impactful.
High/Florid: Charming and elaborate.

Considerations of Style

Word choice (dictation).
Arrangement of words (syntax).
Use of tropes and figures.

Memoria

Involves the techniques for memorizing speeches.

Pronuntiatio

Addresses the delivery methods of a speech.

Voice vs Actio

Voice: Includes tone, volume, and pacing.
Actio: Pertains to gestures and physical movements while speaking.

Types of Persuasive Discourse

Deliberative: Focuses on future actions and proposals.
Forensic: Concerns judgment of past events and actions.
Epideictic: Ceremonial speeches aimed at inspiring or praising.

Deliberative Discourse

Engages broad audiences in discussions about future proposals and actions.

Forensic Discourse

Involves arguments about past events, typically in a legal context.

Epideictic Discourse

Centers on celebrating or critiquing someone or something, often in ceremonies.

Benefits of Studying Rhetoric

Enhances critical reading and writing skills.
Aids in discerning propaganda and responding to various forms of communication.

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Description

Explore the essential components of rhetoric, including Aristotle's notions of persuasion, the Communication Triangle, and the Five Canons of Rhetoric. This quiz will test your understanding of the artistic and non-artistic proofs used in effective discourse.