Read: Del Gandio: Preface and Chapter 1; RA Chapter 1 and 3, pgs. 41-43, 64-70
Write: A 100 – 200 word definition of “rhetoric” and “rhetorical action” drawn from your readings. Make sure to cite page numbers.
Don’t forget to tweet at least once about each reading.
Rhetoric is purposeful, meaning that it is strategically used to achieve something. In the context of this reading, the author defines that something as being either for social or political means (Del Gandio ix). Rhetoric goes beyond the diction and syntax of the rhetor and into a vast realm comprised of various other aspects such as body language, attitude, confidence, emotion, and purpose. Through carefully considering the purpose, message, speaker (rhetor), context, and audience, one can successfully construct a presentation supported by the persuasive rhetorical devices of ethos, pathos, and logos. Ultimately, rhetoric is fundamentally analytical (inherently so as a result of the immediate discourse that is surrounds), persuasive (through the rhetorical devices that are represented in both the Rhetorical Triangle and Canons of Rhetoric), and is the creation of a reality (12-18).
Rhetoric is purposeful, meaning that it is strategically used to achieve something. In the context of this reading, the author defines that something as being either for social or political means(Del Gandio ix). In the broader scope, Aristotle saw it as the skill of a speaker (Campbell et. al 5). Rhetoric goes beyond the diction and syntax of the rhetor and into a vast realm comprised of various other aspects such as body language, attitude, confidence, emotion, and purpose. Through carefully considering the purpose, message, speaker (rhetor), context, and audience, one can successfully construct a presentation supported by the persuasive rhetorical devices of ethos, pathos, and logos. Ultimately, rhetoric is fundamentally analytical (inherently so as a result of the immediate discourse that is surrounds), persuasive (through the rhetorical devices that are represented in both the Rhetorical Triangle and Canons of Rhetoric), and is the creation of a reality (Del Gandio 12-18). Non-verbal techniques of persuasion include facial expressions, posture, eye contact, dramatic pauses, volume, enunciation, and other techniques (Campbell et. al 67-69).
“Rhetoric is easily coupled with manipulation, dishonesty, deceit, and coercion” (8) writes Del Gandio. When we think of rhetoric, we think of a communicator. A politician spreading his views on foreign policy or a successful businessman selling his newest product is using rhetoric to convey his or her message. Rhetoric can be used to stir anti-Semitism as Hitler used it, or for equality as seen by Dr. King. Del Gandio wants us to understand rhetoric in a different light. Rhetoric conveys knowledge argued many Western intellectuals (9). It is the art of communicating ideas and sharing experiences and beliefs to others. By this definition, we all use rhetoric, but we are not all as proficient in using it as others. Sophists would have argued that rhetorical speech could only be successful after proper instruction (10). Because rhetoric is persuasion to change, shape, or sustain someone’s views (69), an activist needs to use both physical and articulateness in his or her speech to convey their ideas. Eloquence is not necessary, but concise, prepared arguments are the key to winning over the audience (66). Physical persuasive tactics such as body language, facial expressions, diction, and vocal volume all influence the audience’s experience (57-69).
Rhetoric is “conscientiously crafted communication for the achievement of social and political ends” (ix). This communication is not limited to verbal use but rather extends itself into the non-verbal means of communication. Proper rhetoric allows activists to appeal to a wider public which in turn, allows the to create a profound social change (xiv). This is known as “rhetorical action,” which allows activists to not only share ideas but also create them (9). This action is inspired by the use of rhetoric as a “study and practice of persuasion and its ways and means (12).
well said
Good rhetoric is persuasive and intentional, therefore good rhetoric should be empowering and lead to activism. Rhetoric should also be analytical and communicative in order to impact a movement. Del Gandio writes: “Bad communication leads to bad activism and good communication leads to good activism” (8). Hence rhetoric needs to be purposeful and filled with the information and feeling that the presenter wants to convey. Like in almost every non-tangible thing in this capitalist society, rhetoric has to be worth something and has to be worth people’s time. Good rhetoric is often memorable; in events such as Dr. King’s speech; and meant to impact and help craft an experience. Del Gandio defines rhetoric in three ways: “(1) rhetoric is persuasive, (2) rhetoric is discursive and analytical, (3) rhetoric is the creation of reality” (12).
Del Gandio and Campbell both agree in defining rhetoric as a means of persuasion; Del Gandio (12) and Campbell (4-7). Rhetoric can also be classified as a means of communication that is public, propositional, purposive, problem solving, pragmatic, poetic and powerful. (Del Gandio 7). With all of these qualities it is possible that with rhetorical action we can change and influence the world both socially and politically causing a resistance and possibly a revolution (Del Gandio ix). Rhetoric is such a broad term that people can even say that everything is rhetorical (Del Gandio 14). This means that rhetoric helps us understand the world around us and create our own realities. (Del Gandio 16-18). In order to create our own realities we need to have a symbolic understanding of the processes that happen around us. These symbolic processes are what define rhetoric and define it as the study of all processes by which people influence each other through symbols (Campbell 8). In addition, rhetorical action is the process of taking rhetoric and projecting it to an audience in order to influence people and eventually get them to alter their perceptions leading them to search for explanations of why certain things happen (Campbell 12). This then can create a virtual experience which allows people to think about the “as if” situations, reshaping their minds. Once a virtual experience is achieved then effective communication is achieved. (Campbell 9). Effective communication is one of the key goals of rhetoric.
Rhetoric is the use of various types of communicative methods, such as writing or public speaking, nonverbal behavior, artistic expression, or photography and film, to influence an audience to change their thoughts about a certain issue and/or alter their behavior in response to an issue (RA, 1). Rhetoric is often planned and conscientious, and is a device that can be used to achieve social or political changes (Del Gandio, ix). In accordance, a rhetorical act is essentially any deliberate attempt to influence others (RA, 8). But, rhetoric can be unintentional, as any behavior can be interpreted or misinterpreted and influence people’s views and actions, regardless of one’s intentions (RA, 8). Closely studying rhetoric and its devices helps you to properly and carefully convey messages that persuade people.
“We can define rhetoric as consciously crafted communication for the achievement of social and political ends” (Del Gandio ix). The foundation for rhetoric is based upon the speaker, the audience on the receiving end, a message being conveyed, and the environment that envelops the situation. Plato did not believe that rhetoric should be utilized actively, for he thought that false rhetoric existed, which deceived and tricked audiences. Many other Western thinkers such as John Locke agreed, referring to rhetoric as a communication of ideas and nothing more. In their minds, rhetoric was incapable of creating ideas (9). The author disagrees, saying that rhetoric is persuasive, discursive and analytical, and the creation of reality. Furthermore, rhetorical action stems from rhetoric. By changing your rhetoric, you change the communication, which when changed changes the experience, which when changed, changes a person’s orientation to the world. And finally, if you can change that orientation, you create conditions for profound social change” (xiv).
Rhetoric is the ability of dialogue or writing evocatively, often aimed at an audience with the purpose of influencing their actions and thoughts through your words. The ability of speaking well in public is very rare and it depicts an individual’s mental stability, “Good public speaking skills also are closely related to psychological well-being” (Campbell 41). Rhetorical action enables speakers to connect with and relate to their audience by presenting their own personal experiences. As a result of which, they can influence their readers/audience greatly for e.g. a leader of a nation delivering his speech to the residents and speaking as one of them. It is through rhetorical action that we will progress and bring advances to our everyday life as Del Gandio states, “As we change our communication, we change our world” (ix).
Rhetoric is an advanced and deliberate form of communication, which serves the purpose of influencing the perspectives of a body of people. The desired outcome is usually to provoke a positive or well-needed change within a civilization, and can also reach out to include a more global audience. Not only is language a component of rhetoric, but physical gestures, visual aids, along with several other forms of expression play a major part in achieving whatever it is that the presenter intends. When taking rhetorical action, one should consider culture, psychology, perhaps potential modes of provoking an emotional response (Del Gandio 4). These elements can be referred to as symbols, which work to promote a cause (Campbell 1). Rhetoric often takes the form of public speaking, being that it serves to alter the understandings of a multitude of individuals who hold the potential to take action and create a shift in contemporary circumstances.
Rhetoric is taking a chance, trowing yourself out on a limb and stating your point and opinion. Rhetoric can be bold, mean, have a meaning or give us something to think about, and with that, change the world. “As we change our communication, we change our world” (Del Gandio, xi). Both texts mentions that silence and body language is actually saying more than we think and that not saying anything can be more powerful than actually saying something and that body language is the language that we do not speak of but that it still contributes to our understanding of a spoken word, that is a part of rhetorical action. Included is also how you act during a presentation and importance is put on preparation and to make the best of the situation for example with humor (Campbell, 64). Finally, rhetoric provides us with both the tools to communicate our ideas and to do that in an exceptional way.
Del Gandio defines rhetoric as, “conscientiously crafted communication for the achievement of social and political ends” (ix). Later in his book, he also defines it in three ways: “(1) rhetoric is persuasive, (2) rhetoric is discursive and analytical, and (3) rhetoric is the creation of reality” (12). Rhetoric not only has to do with verbal language, but also with “body language and nonverbal communication” (xi). Del Gandio uses the example of the police officer arresting the civil disobedient to explain how both verbal communication and nonverbal communication contribute to rhetoric. Rhetoric is essentially used in our everyday lives. While rhetoric can have a negative connotation attached to it (manipulation, coercion, etc.), it can be a great tool to use if used for the right reasons. Del Gandio also touches on how there is “always a communicator, an audience, a message and a surrounding situation” with rhetoric (xii).
Rhetoric’s is what people use to communicate and to persuade. It is also a humanistic study that examines human symbols, which shows how one person can influence another (Campbell 6). In addition, as Del Gandio defines rhetoric’s, it is pervasive, discursive and analytical, and the creation of reality. Not only is rhetorics used to persuade, but it is also what comes after the persuasion, such as the effects of it (Del Gandio 13). Since rhetorics is in everything, then it is also what helps create reality as it influences and shapes opinions and ideas that are communicated by people, and received by others to form a discussion, conversation, or even awareness of something.
Through rhetoric one is able to speak and write while making use of a persuasive tone with the mission to captivate their audience. In the reading we learn that “one’s self- esteem is directly related to how well people develop the competence and confidence to speak in front of others” (RA, 41). The reader learns that rhetoric has such vital role in communication that if you “change the rhetoric… you change the communication” (Del Gandio, xiv). Rhetorical action is the actual connection that is established between the speaker and his/ her audience. “… There is a communicative gap between our efforts and the public’s reception of those efforts. This gap is a rhetorical issue needing attention and redress” (Del Gandio, 2). Resolving this rhetorical issue will lead to the improvement of the rhetorical action.
Rhetoric is a dance of effective communication. There’s always a communicator, an audience, a message and a surrounding situation. There is a constant interaction between the communicator and the audience, where both roles remain interchangeable. All who take part in this dance, in these vibrations possess the desire to fulfill some type of goal, some medium of expression (xii). Rhetoric is persuasive, rhetoric is discursive and analytical, and rhetoric is the creation of reality (12). “Revolution occurs when people undergo a radical shift that breaks with the past and a creates a new framework for different actions, ideas, and social relations” ( 4). These rhetorical shifts create new languages, discourses, lifestyles,relations and ways of being and acting (4).This is a rhetorical call to action, using language and communication in efforts to radically influence the world. Within the world we live in now, our rhetorical action lies amongst a plethora of people, ideas, and movements (6). Each of us can assume the responsibility of rhetorical mediator (6). Each of us can change people’s rhetorical constructions of the world (17).
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion (RA p. 4). Rhetoric can come in many forms such as writing, speech, visual arts, fine arts and through various other symbols (RA p. 1). Rhetoric is used to convince others to adopt a certain opinion or perspective concerning a particular issue (RA p.2). It is considered an art since one must understand what it takes to change a particular group’s opinion by using communication alone. Certain groups may receive things differently than others, the situation is always changing (Del Gandio p.xii). Rhetorical action refers to those who use effective communication to influence political and social decision making. Often those who take rhetorical action aim for a particular goal by changing public opinion, such as improving living conditions (Del Gandio p.2) Exposing the educated to a new perspective has the potential to spark the development of major change (RA p.3). Major movements are commonly fueled by rhetorical devices. Thus, rhetoric is powerful in that by being able to alter public opinion it has the ability to influence historical change (RA 8).
Rhetoric is a means of communicating yourself to an “audience” (Del Gandio xi). It was thoroughly explained in Gandio’s work, how rhetoric basically the back bone of communication. It was said that by changing the rhetoric you change everything from the communication, to the experience, to the audiences orientation toward that subject,to a social change (Del Gandio xiv). And is not the only author touching on the subject, it was also claimed that creating/doing a rhetorical act/action is a physical attempt to influence other to understand/believe what you are asserting ( Campbell 8). It was shown through many examples in Gandio’s work, that rhetoric and rhetorical action can impact anything from friendship, to social norms, to the construction of a social reality(Del Gandio 19-23). But in Campbell’s work there is a more emphasis on the factor that some rhetorical actions can be miscommunicated and have unintentional repercussions or influences from simple behaviors or actions. Through both works it’s easy to understand that rhetoric is simply the grounds on which we as humans communicated and influence one another, whether we know it or not.
In “Rhetoric for Radicals,” according to Del Gandio, rhetoric is “conscientiously crafted communication” (ix); it is a complex means of conveying a message or idea, especially through activism. Meanwhile, in “The Rhetorical Act,” one of Campbell’s definitions of rhetoric is “the craft of producing reason-giving discourse that is grounded in social truths” (6). Both authors have similar perceptions of rhetoric in considering that it is an art or craft with a purpose. Rhetoric is the use of language to effectively convey a message and have an impact on its audience; it requires the skill of a speaker and a certain technique in order to have such an effect. When considering examples of rhetoric, one might initially think of famous speeches such as MLK Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech or JFK’s Inaugural Address. However, Del Gandio discusses the presence of rhetoric in our daily lives, arguing that “all human realities are rhetorically constructed” (xviii). While rhetoric in politics certainly serves an active purpose to sway opinions and provoke “profound social change” (Del Gandio, 2), it is important to recognize that proper rhetoric in any situation helps communicate ideas to one another.
Rhetoric is a collection of carefully thought out messages used to achieve a certain goal. These messages can be in the form of written and spoken language, nonverbal behaviors, fine arts, music and visual images (RA 1). The goal of these messages is to strategically influence the free choices of groups or individuals (RA 5). However, to do this, we need to change people’s thoughts, understandings and perceptions (Del Gandio 3). In order to achieve this change we use rhetorical action, which is the conscious attempt to influence specific processes (RA 9). However, rhetorical action is not something that sets in over night. It takes time for people to change their way of thinking (RA 12). Most people tend to focus solely on material subjects like overturning dictatorships and military regimes. What people don’t realize is that different understandings and perceptions are the underlying factors in these material subjects. In order to successfully make a change, we must first influence these understandings and perceptions and change them through the use of rhetoric (Del Gandio 3).
Rhetoric is the spoken interaction between the the communicator and the addressed audience. It’s the interaction that speaker is having with the audience and getting feedback from it as the audience’s response. It’s the spoken word that the speaker gives to the audience, and the response the audience has is never as expected. Today, many people are becoming activist and radicals to have their words heard. They’re using their gift of rhetoric to communicate what they feel and what they find unjust by many means of different variables, such as free speaking outside major places, or by making videos and posting it on social media sites so it could be seen and spread. The spoken and expressed word is always being heard, especially nowadays with the virtual connected age we live in. (Del Gandio ix – xiii)
Rhetorical action is communicating with the public to change people’s perceptions of their living situations (Del Gandio 4). Del Gandio compares it to radicals who are trying to start a revolution and how they need rhetoric in order to create change. The twenty first century has created new forms of rhetorical action and rhetoric leadership is no longer identified with one person, but with everyone due to the media (Del Gandio 6). I think it’s important to see how rhetoric is changing and how everyone has the ability to bring about new ideas and be able to communicate them to the rest of the world. Rhetoric is used to persuade the audience, and by doing so, you also have to be effective. Using visual aids, knowing your audience and your speech topic is all apart of rhetoric and how you rely your information to your audience (RA 42).
Rhetoric is the fundamental tool in communication and interaction. It encompasses our “human experience” by constructing and influencing our relationships with everyone around us (Del Gandio 12). While one might initially think of rhetoric in terms of speech-giving or deceptive rehearsal, in reality, any kind of interpersonal experience is a form of rhetoric. This includes body language, listening, and even silence, as all communicate something from one person to another (Del Gandio xii). Rhetorical action takes this idea even further, as it emphasizes the power of rhetoric in its “intentional, deliberate attempts to influence others” (RA 8). The underlying force in rhetoric is the ability to change the way people think. Through verbal and nonverbal processes, one can impose a new experience on another; communication is key to progression. Rhetoric, as an art of persuasion, can challenge and change social reality.
The reading defines rhetoric as “conscientiously crafted communication for the achievement of social and political ends” (ix). Rhetoric is the art of persuasively writing or speaking and is intended to have a certain influence on the audience, which is also called rhetorical action (Del Gandio 4). Del Gandio claims rhetoric is “conscientiously crafted” (ix) in order to get the audience to take action. These messages can also be conveyed through non verbal communication such as body language. In today’s technologically advanced and connected world, many people are using various forms of social media in order to become activists; thus modern technology and social media are changing the face of rhetoric today.
Rhetoric is a purposeful and well thought out means of communication between the speaker and the audience. It may be presented in a multitude of ways, including written and spoken language, nonverbal behaviors, fine arts, music and visual images (RA 1). It is normally used to influence and persuade others into changing a specific social or political viewpoint. (Del Gandio 3) In order to do this, rhetorical action must be taken. Rhetorical action is the attempt to influence the opinion and connect with the audience. While rhetoric is usually intentional, it is not an anomaly for it to be unintentional. It can have an impact on a small scale, such as between friendships, or on a greater scale such as in politics or social norms. (Del Gandio 21)
Rhetoric is the language designed to persuade and convince its audience with the use of “symbols”. These symbols can come in all sorts of ways and experiences including visuals of art, sounds, spoken word and even nonverbal behaviors (Campbell 1). As a result, it can be said that no matter how hard one may say that they didn’t truly attempt to influence someone else, it cannot be true for the use of rhetorical behavior is always planned and conscientious (Del Gandio ix). But there is a subtle difference between rhetorical effort and coercion that is clearly stated by Campbell. While coercion allows the audience with only one choice to choose, rhetorical efforts pursue the goal of influencing the choices of the audience (Campbell 5). By studying and implementing rhetorical action in everyday life, one can truly impact the social and political communities.
Rhetoric is not communication, but it is the approach to communication that is crafted for the effective purpose of social and political changes (x). Rhetoric comes in various forms, and can be expressed effectively in each form when an effective or efficient approach is taken. It could be through speech, physical actions, language, visual design, or even silence. Thus, it is a way to convey a message, and to convey a message effectively. To analyze rhetoric and rhetorical action in details, we must break them down into three categories: persuasion, discourse, and reality (12). The tactics of communication to effectively create a message or an impact is the rhetoric of persuasion. For instance, in a conference room of people wanting to persuade another to believe in his side of the argument, one person could use facts and truths to support his message, another could use an emotional or personal anecdote to sway his audience; this is the rhetoric of persuasion (13). The second form of rhetoric is formed through discourse and analysis in which different people have different styles and approach to communication. It is through analysis of your own personal style and of people’s communicative platforms that you perfect your own rhetoric with the right word choice, the right body language, the right expressions, and the right tone of voice in order to elaborate your presence in a manner that can influence others to be in conjunction with the reality you created through your discourse (14); this brings us to the third form rhetoric: rhetoric used as a means of creating reality. In creating reality, one must used the intangibles given through human interactions to create the tangibles. Through humans’ approaches to communication and interaction, physical societies, facts, and ideas are constructed. What, then, is real? It is our rhetoric that leads to a community of people that agrees or that uses similar rhetorical acts that leads to a conjunction that is called reality. Take math as an example. 1+1=2 is an example of rhetoric that became fact. It is through human interactions and rhetoric that created the reality that is this factual and fundamental rule of mathematics in which everyone comes into consensus with as their rhetoric proves similar and effective when 1+1=2 (14-16).
According to Del Gandio, “Rhetoric for radicals is about changing the world. Specifically, its about changing the world through human communication” (ix). He continues on that same page by stating that, rhetoric as conscientiously crafted communication for the achievement of social and political ends. Rhetoric and rhetorical action can change the way we communicate, experience, understand, and create conditions for profound social change (Del Gandio 2008, xiv). After reading the text, I have come to the understanding that rhetoric and rhetorical action are almost synonymous terms, in which rhetoric is the content or subject of the rhetorical action. Through this rhetoric, rhetorical action can take place, and that allows for, “a creation of worlds so common that we are included and worlds so unique that we are all inspired” (xvi). Rhetoric is a living subject, which means that it will never die. As humans what makes us so unique is our language and our ability to communicate emotion and abstract thoughts into concrete concepts. Rhetoric action is a tool that enables us to be human.
Rhetoric is specially crafted communication that is relayed to an audience by a speaker. It is geared toward a specific audience with the goal of persuading or educating a group of people about a certain topic. In order to construct good rhetoric logos, ethos, and pathos must be kept in mind. There needs to be a balance between the three in order to have to create impactful rhetoric.There is a call to rhetorical action today in order to spark change in society. Del Gandio says, “ communication produces our social realities” (del Gandio 4). Therefore rhetoric is both important and powerful in changing the way society thinks and operates today.
Rhetorics are the actions, approaches, by people in order to communicate with others. It is the “…humanistic study that examines all the symbolic means by which influences occur.” (The Rhetorical Act, p7) Influence is what many people trying to create a social movement try to do. Like mentioned in Rhetoric for Radicals, it is one of the hardest things to do to influence masses because not everybody thinks it very urgent to take action (p1). Rhetorics can be defined by seven main characteristics: public, propositional, purposive, problem solving, poetic, powerful, and pragmatic. Rhetorics are used by people who are trying to communicate their point of view to others by making what the communicator’s reality translate into the listener’s reality.
Continuation: In Rhetoric for Radicals, Gandio talks about how reality is different for every person because they all arise from people’s different surrounding, experiences, and beliefs. These differences all connect to ethos, pathos, and logos. In order to use rhetoric successfully, the communicator must play with these three in order to appeal to people and change their minds.
Rhetoric is language, whether persuasive, poetic, or descriptive, used to achieve a real affect on an audience. Rhetoric incorporates a wide range of tools: metaphors and figurative language can bring a point forward; a well-reasoned argument to make a position more attractive to the reader; stories can help drive a difficult message home. The intention of rhetoric is to engage your audience so that they accept and share your point of view. If I create a piece of choreography designed to highlight social inequality among rich and poor, I don’t just want my audience to understand it, I want them to come away changed by that experience and hopefully acting or choosing differently in the future.
The rhetorical act may be written, spoken, dramatic or artistic language designed to achieve significant change in response to a problem or need. In the words of Del Gandio, “We can define rhetoric as consciously crafted communication for the achievement of social and political ends” (Del Gandio ix). The rhetorical act includes the purpose of the communicator, the audience they seek to influence, the message they seek to promote, and the overall context including the channel (or medium) and the situation in which it occurs. Constructive rhetoric takes account not only of the personal desires of the speaker, but also of the social, intellectual and emotional well being of speaker and audience; “Bad communication leads to bad activism, and good communication leads to good activism” (Campbell 8), and “Good public speaking skills also are closely related to psychological well-being” (Campbell 41).
Rhetoric is perhaps the most powerful tool at our disposal to shape our lives and environment to match our vision; “As we change our communication, we change our world” (Del Gandio, xi)
Del Gandio defines rhetoric as conscientiously crafted communication for the achievement of social and political ends (page ix). It is a primary rather than secondary aspect of our work; it is the lifeline of what we do (page 8). He further states that the way we communicate influences and can determine our thoughts, understanding of and perceptions of things we talk about. When Gandio talks about taking rhetorical action, I cannot help but agree on the fact that there is a thin line between our wants and our needs and that to change our approach, we need to change people’s thoughts, understandings and perceptions (page 3).
Rhetoric is the ability to know how to use language creatively and affectively. Del Gandio describes Rhetoric as Rhetorical action is communicating with the public to change people’s perceptions of their living situations (ix). Rhetoric is essential to anyone who is trying to convey a point or make a statement. Without it, there is no reason for someone listening to engage in that who is speaking. You never see a political or high ranking member of the military who does not use exceptional Rhetoric because it is what they need in order to get elected and lead. Rhetoric is being able to affectively change how people think or get them to agree with you even more.