Rhetoric is the art of persuasive communication, debated since ancient Greece. Aristotle developed the five canons of rhetoric, and its role has changed with mass media. Modern theorists define rhetoric as any form of communication, shaping a person’s notion of reality and the foundation of society.
Definitions of the word rhetoric abound, but it is often defined as the art of effective and persuasive formal communication, written or spoken. The scope and role of rhetoric in society has been debated since ancient Greece. Rhetorical language was once thought to be the domain of a select group of influential people in society, but mass communication has opened up deliberation and persuasive language to all. Some modern experts have broadened the definition of rhetoric to include any form of communication and argue that rhetoric permeates every interaction.
The word rhetoric comes from two Greek words meaning “oratory” and “public speaker”. Plato felt that rhetoric’s role in society was largely confined to politics and the public arena; however, his student, Aristotle, thought the art of persuasive communication had an impact on many fields beyond just politics. Aristotle developed the five canons of rhetoric: inventing a persuasive argument, disposing of speech, developing a communication style, memorizing key persuasive points, and effective delivery of speech. According to Aristotle, the character of the speaker, the logic of the argument, and the emotional state of the audience could all contribute to the power of rhetorical speech.
The role of rhetoric in society has changed markedly since ancient Greece. Once the domain of a select few, such as politicians, lawyers and educators, rhetoric is now ubiquitous thanks to mass media. The rapid growth of communication from written press such as books and newspapers to the development of television, radio and computers has completely changed the function of rhetoric in society. This is especially true since the advent of the internet and social media sites which make multiple points of view available from every angle. More and more people are bombarded with different points of view.
Some modern theorists give a broader definition to the word rhetoric, arguing that any time someone communicates it, it is a form of rhetoric. This theory implies that when people use language they are always trying to persuade or shape opinion. It implies that even when a person is casually spending time with a friend, their conversation is intended to communicate a perception or point of view. If a person is communicating simply because they want acceptance or need human companionship, it is a form of persuasion. Some definitions of rhetoric have become so obscure that they even include non-verbal communication.
Many experts and non-experts alike agree that language shapes a person’s very notion of reality. Often that which does not have a word association does not exist, and language allows people to classify and process the information they receive through their senses. Without the ability to categorize perceptions, a person’s brain would be overloaded. If rhetoric is any form of communication, it is obvious that it is the very foundation of society and of life.
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