How is rhetoric used today?
Rhetoric is used in many forms, and contemporary contexts. See the examples below to explore how rhetoric could be useful to you, and how it is involved in your everyday life.
Rhetoric of Negotiation is the way to effectively use rhetoric in a business environment. It acknowledges that one can have one's own perspective, and end goals, while simultaneously being open to new ideas and communication with co-workers, and business partners, etc. to reach an agreement. The following terms are important in this type of rhetoric (King 69).
See how Linebacker Terry Tate uses Win-Rhetoric to increase office productivity:
Rhetoric of Negotiation is the way to effectively use rhetoric in a business environment. It acknowledges that one can have one's own perspective, and end goals, while simultaneously being open to new ideas and communication with co-workers, and business partners, etc. to reach an agreement. The following terms are important in this type of rhetoric (King 69).
- Opposition: the target audience of the rhetor's persuasive language, and/or the message that the rhetor is attempting to convey.
- Win-Rhetoric: A style of rhetoric with the intent to persuade the audience, or opposition, by any means necessary. The mission and tactics may be honorable or dishonorable.
- Listening-Rhetoric: A branch of rhetoric that focuses more on listening to the opposition, and engaging them in dialogue, rather than solely communicating one's goal message without taking the opposition into consideration.
See how Linebacker Terry Tate uses Win-Rhetoric to increase office productivity:
Visual Rhetoric refers to anything from the use of images as argument, to the arrangement and stylization of a page for rhetorical effect. The purpose is to add intrigue to written forms of rhetoric. It is often geared towards a specific audience.
- One should consider typography, color usage, and a variety of other factors. Visuals, when used effectively, make your work stand out! The following chart concerning color theory is just one example of how the use of visuals can impact an audience's perceptions.
Multimedia Rhetoric is in the family of visual rhetoric. It is multimodal production for the purposes of composition and professional communication (Sheppard 122). Designers and producers must consider the intended audience, as well as the communicative purpose and context of the rhetoric.
This website guide is an example of multimedia rhetoric! It combines interactive media, text, videos, photos, and visuals of various kinds.
International Rhetoric is the art of communicating across borders, and cultures. It takes into account the specific actors, relationships, and contexts in the international scene, and considers politics, as well as social and cultural norms. It has become increasingly important with globalization.
The following image is an example of failed (albeit rather funny) international communication, and why it is important to tailor one's manner of speaking to the cultural context.
- The past 15 years have seen increasing calls for the integration of multimedia and multiliteracies into the disciplines of composition and professional communication (Sheppard 123).
- According to Sheppard, "Multimedia production practices are a sophisticated integration of knowing how and when to use appropriate technologies, where to find or how to create the necessary media resources, how to interact with the people involved with a project, and how to prepare the material for the context in which it will be used by its intended audience. Each aspect of this practice is a matter of negotiation, one in which the designer must make decisions that will ultimately impact the meaning and reception of a multimedia text" (130).
This website guide is an example of multimedia rhetoric! It combines interactive media, text, videos, photos, and visuals of various kinds.
International Rhetoric is the art of communicating across borders, and cultures. It takes into account the specific actors, relationships, and contexts in the international scene, and considers politics, as well as social and cultural norms. It has become increasingly important with globalization.
- Applies to international businesses, treatises, laws, and conventions. It can also tie back to the language of negotiation, and how to negotiate an idea or perspective across cultures and languages.
- It is very important to consider cultural connotations, and stigmas connected to communicative tactics; this can include oral versus written communication, and also one's manner of speaking. For instance, one might prefer to communicate bluntly and openly with those of a German background, whereas the English prefer less direct, and more sensitive diction.
The following image is an example of failed (albeit rather funny) international communication, and why it is important to tailor one's manner of speaking to the cultural context.
Rhetoric is also useful for persuasion and effective communication of any kind! For example:
- An attorney speaking in defense of a client
- A mother convincing her child to eat vegetables
- An undergraduate honors defense thesis
- A political speech
- A debate
- Research; one can use a rhetorical lens for deeper analysis and understanding of works!
Can I be a rhetor?
Yes, you can! Anyone who uses language to communicate some sort of message or truth may assume the role of rhetor. Plato contends that only men educated in philosophy may assume the role, as they are the only beings to understand the truths as determined by the gods. Thankfully, Aristotle and Cicero, as well as the majority of more modern rhetors, find that rhetoric is less tied to philosophy. Moreover, with a mastery of language, an understanding of the audience being addressed, and the ability to communicate effectively, anyone may assume the role of a rhetor. Whether you are a man, a woman, a wealthy and educated ancient philosopher, a teacher, a businessperson, a student, or a person of any other occupation or background, you can be part of the field.
Why is rhetoric important?
In conclusion...
Rhetoric has a rich tradition in Western culture. It extends from the classical period, and is still important today. It was integral in the development of our modern society, and democracy. It continues to touch nearly every modern interaction in an increasingly multifaceted manner. However you decide rhetoric should be defined, it certainly influences the way you live your life. It is a means of communicating perspectives, ideals, criticisms, hopes, dreams, and goals. It shapes cultures and groups of peoples, and how they communicate. It will continue to be an intrinsic part of society, for better or worse. Choose your words wisely!