Aristotelian Rhetoric Examples and Applications
By Alexa Stipkala
Aristotle
Rhetoric can be looked on as one person addressing many people by demonstrating a truth that has already been found. It can also be called the available means of persuasion. Rhetoric deals with specific, practical questions. The key to using rhetoric effectively in Aristotle's eyes is by finding ways to make a truth seem more probable to an audience that is not completely convinced (Griffin). I would like to relate the beliefs of Aristotle in terms of a persuasive speech that I gave in a public speaking class. I chose to speak about why to avoid prolonged sun exposure and tried to persuade my listeners to take proper precautions when in contact with the sun.
Rhetorical Proof
Aristotle believed that the means of persuasion that one could use were based on three kinds of proof. The first proof is logical, or logos, which comes from the line of argument that the speaker uses. In my case, the logical proof that I used was that prolonged sun exposure can lead to premature wrinkles or various forms of skin cancer. The next form of proof is ethical, or ethos. This is the way the speaker's character is revealed through the message. By advocating safe sun exposure, I was revealing something about my character. I really had nothing to gain by sharing valuable information with others. Some speeches reveal that people seek to gain by persuading others to see their views. Finally, the last form of proof is emotional, or pathos. It is the feeling the speech draws out of the hearers. Some people might have listened to my message and confirmed that this information was true, and therefore they should take precaution. Others may have thought of someone they know with skin cancer. Still others may have had negative emotions about being told my opinion of what is best.
Logical Proof
Aristotle named two kinds of logical proof. The first, and stronger of the proofs is called an enthymeme. It is a rhetorical syllogism, or line of reasoning. It works more with probability than with true facts. Here is an example of an enthymeme in relation to my sun exposure speech:
Major or general premise: Prolonged sun exposure may lead to skin cancer
Minor or specific premise: Proper precaution will reduce the risk of skin cancer
Conclusion: You can reduce your risk of skin cancer
The second kind of proof is simply an example. I used examples to show how to reduce the risk of skin cancer. I told my audience they could use sunblock, avoid peak hours in the sun, and wear light colored clothing.
Ethical Proof
There are three characteristics that may or may not add to a speaker's credibility. The first is perceived intelligence. Audiences tend to judge this by how much the speakers beliefs overlap with their own beliefs. Perceived intelligence also deals with practical wisdom and shared values. Therefore the opinions my audience members had of me depended on how much they valued sun exposure. If it was high on their list of priorities, they may have seen me as less credible, according to this theory.
The next aspect of credibility deals with the speaker's image as an honest person. This virtuous character is developed by showing that I am charitable and accepting. If I continued to put down those who like to tan, I would not be doing a good job of developing virtuous character.
Finally, credibility is affected by goodwill. This refers to how the audience members judge the speaker's intention. If I worked for a company that paid me to promote sunblock, I might be seen as less credible because I have much to gain from persuading my audience. However, I had only the best interest of the audience in mind. This may have led to a greater sense of goodwill in how the audience perceived me.
Emotional Proof
Aristotle made use of six sets of opposite feelings that he felt an effective speaker should be able to utilize. I made use of fear versus confidence. The fear could come from anyone concerned with premature aging or, in the worst case scenario, skin cancer. However, I tried to instil confidence in my audience by assuring them that they can protect themselves from the dangers of the sun.
The Five Canons of Rhetoric
Now I will explain how I made use of the Five Canons. I made use of invention, which is the construction of an argument, by finding a topic that can be relavent to college students. I then narrowed my choice to sun exposure because it is true that young people are often unconcerned with overexposure to the sun; it is something that many people don't feel they have to worry about until later in life. After deciding on a topic, I had to search for information to support my belief.
The next canon is to focus on a simple arrangement. You may have heard the phrase, "Tell them what you are going to say, say it, and then tell them what you told them." I used this idea by previewing my message. I told my audience what I hoped to accomplish in my speech. I then informed them through sharing my research, and finally recapped what my main points were. In order to do this effectively, I had to plan on what I was going to say ahead of time.
Aristotle told of how people learn best when learning is easy. Speaking in a style that is pleasant to the listener may help them to listen. While Aristotle condoned use of metaphors, I used much imagery to capture the attention of my readers. I spoke of the warm sun beating down on sandy beaches at the opening of my speech.
Memory is an important aspect of the speech. One must edit out useless information and practice the speech until it is familiar. While some people can spontaneously give an effective speech, most people must commit part of it to memory. I divided my speech into chunks of information that could easily be brought to mind. I began with imagery at the beginning, then told of the dangers of the sun, followed by precautions to take. I concluded by recapping what I had said. These four divisions helped me to remember what came next in my speech.
Delivery is a very important aspect of the speech. I spent time researching my information in hopes to find something that would be of interest to my audience. However, I rehearsed plenty before I stood before them to give my speech. Even if I had the most interesting information, it would not make a bit of difference if I appeared stiff and artifical in my delivery.
So now I have walked you through the process of giving a persuasive speech. Remember that the information can only be effective if the audience has a positive view of you, as a speaker.
Check out Katie's research page!
Take a look at Elizabeth's critique page!
Want to wow your friends with your intelligence? Here are some quotes from Aristotle.
Link to other cool sites that our group found!
Professor Gerry Philipsen uses the term rhetoric to mean both"discovery of truth" and "persuasive appeal" in his theory of Speech Codes. Read a research report entitled Developing Human Communication Theory that he wrote along with T. Albrecht.
Click here to link home
This page was last updated on 3/7/00
Rhetoric can be looked on as one person addressing many people by demonstrating a truth that has already been found. It can also be called the available means of persuasion. Rhetoric deals with specific, practical questions. The key to using rhetoric effectively in Aristotle's eyes is by finding ways to make a truth seem more probable to an audience that is not completely convinced (Griffin). I would like to relate the beliefs of Aristotle in terms of a persuasive speech that I gave in a public speaking class. I chose to speak about why to avoid prolonged sun exposure and tried to persuade my listeners to take proper precautions when in contact with the sun.
Rhetorical Proof
Aristotle believed that the means of persuasion that one could use were based on three kinds of proof. The first proof is logical, or logos, which comes from the line of argument that the speaker uses. In my case, the logical proof that I used was that prolonged sun exposure can lead to premature wrinkles or various forms of skin cancer. The next form of proof is ethical, or ethos. This is the way the speaker's character is revealed through the message. By advocating safe sun exposure, I was revealing something about my character. I really had nothing to gain by sharing valuable information with others. Some speeches reveal that people seek to gain by persuading others to see their views. Finally, the last form of proof is emotional, or pathos. It is the feeling the speech draws out of the hearers. Some people might have listened to my message and confirmed that this information was true, and therefore they should take precaution. Others may have thought of someone they know with skin cancer. Still others may have had negative emotions about being told my opinion of what is best.
Logical Proof
Aristotle named two kinds of logical proof. The first, and stronger of the proofs is called an enthymeme. It is a rhetorical syllogism, or line of reasoning. It works more with probability than with true facts. Here is an example of an enthymeme in relation to my sun exposure speech:
Major or general premise: Prolonged sun exposure may lead to skin cancer
Minor or specific premise: Proper precaution will reduce the risk of skin cancer
Conclusion: You can reduce your risk of skin cancer
The second kind of proof is simply an example. I used examples to show how to reduce the risk of skin cancer. I told my audience they could use sunblock, avoid peak hours in the sun, and wear light colored clothing.
Ethical Proof
There are three characteristics that may or may not add to a speaker's credibility. The first is perceived intelligence. Audiences tend to judge this by how much the speakers beliefs overlap with their own beliefs. Perceived intelligence also deals with practical wisdom and shared values. Therefore the opinions my audience members had of me depended on how much they valued sun exposure. If it was high on their list of priorities, they may have seen me as less credible, according to this theory.
The next aspect of credibility deals with the speaker's image as an honest person. This virtuous character is developed by showing that I am charitable and accepting. If I continued to put down those who like to tan, I would not be doing a good job of developing virtuous character.
Finally, credibility is affected by goodwill. This refers to how the audience members judge the speaker's intention. If I worked for a company that paid me to promote sunblock, I might be seen as less credible because I have much to gain from persuading my audience. However, I had only the best interest of the audience in mind. This may have led to a greater sense of goodwill in how the audience perceived me.
Emotional Proof
Aristotle made use of six sets of opposite feelings that he felt an effective speaker should be able to utilize. I made use of fear versus confidence. The fear could come from anyone concerned with premature aging or, in the worst case scenario, skin cancer. However, I tried to instil confidence in my audience by assuring them that they can protect themselves from the dangers of the sun.
The Five Canons of Rhetoric
Now I will explain how I made use of the Five Canons. I made use of invention, which is the construction of an argument, by finding a topic that can be relavent to college students. I then narrowed my choice to sun exposure because it is true that young people are often unconcerned with overexposure to the sun; it is something that many people don't feel they have to worry about until later in life. After deciding on a topic, I had to search for information to support my belief.
The next canon is to focus on a simple arrangement. You may have heard the phrase, "Tell them what you are going to say, say it, and then tell them what you told them." I used this idea by previewing my message. I told my audience what I hoped to accomplish in my speech. I then informed them through sharing my research, and finally recapped what my main points were. In order to do this effectively, I had to plan on what I was going to say ahead of time.
Aristotle told of how people learn best when learning is easy. Speaking in a style that is pleasant to the listener may help them to listen. While Aristotle condoned use of metaphors, I used much imagery to capture the attention of my readers. I spoke of the warm sun beating down on sandy beaches at the opening of my speech.
Memory is an important aspect of the speech. One must edit out useless information and practice the speech until it is familiar. While some people can spontaneously give an effective speech, most people must commit part of it to memory. I divided my speech into chunks of information that could easily be brought to mind. I began with imagery at the beginning, then told of the dangers of the sun, followed by precautions to take. I concluded by recapping what I had said. These four divisions helped me to remember what came next in my speech.
Delivery is a very important aspect of the speech. I spent time researching my information in hopes to find something that would be of interest to my audience. However, I rehearsed plenty before I stood before them to give my speech. Even if I had the most interesting information, it would not make a bit of difference if I appeared stiff and artifical in my delivery.
So now I have walked you through the process of giving a persuasive speech. Remember that the information can only be effective if the audience has a positive view of you, as a speaker.
Check out Katie's research page!
Take a look at Elizabeth's critique page!
Want to wow your friends with your intelligence? Here are some quotes from Aristotle.
Link to other cool sites that our group found!
Professor Gerry Philipsen uses the term rhetoric to mean both"discovery of truth" and "persuasive appeal" in his theory of Speech Codes. Read a research report entitled Developing Human Communication Theory that he wrote along with T. Albrecht.
Click here to link home
This page was last updated on 3/7/00
Rhetorical ProofAristotle believed that the means of persuasion that one could use were based on three kinds of proof. The first proof is logical, or logos, which comes from the line of argument that the speaker uses. In my case, the logical proof that I used was that prolonged sun exposure can lead to premature wrinkles or various forms of skin cancer. The next form of proof is ethical, or ethos. This is the way the speaker's character is revealed through the message. By advocating safe sun exposure, I was revealing something about my character. I really had nothing to gain by sharing valuable information with others. Some speeches reveal that people seek to gain by persuading others to see their views. Finally, the last form of proof is emotional, or pathos. It is the feeling the speech draws out of the hearers. Some people might have listened to my message and confirmed that this information was true, and therefore they should take precaution. Others may have thought of someone they know with skin cancer. Still others may have had negative emotions about being told my opinion of what is best.
Logical Proof
Aristotle named two kinds of logical proof. The first, and stronger of the proofs is called an enthymeme. It is a rhetorical syllogism, or line of reasoning. It works more with probability than with true facts. Here is an example of an enthymeme in relation to my sun exposure speech:
Major or general premise: Prolonged sun exposure may lead to skin cancer
Minor or specific premise: Proper precaution will reduce the risk of skin cancer
Conclusion: You can reduce your risk of skin cancer
The second kind of proof is simply an example. I used examples to show how to reduce the risk of skin cancer. I told my audience they could use sunblock, avoid peak hours in the sun, and wear light colored clothing.
Ethical Proof
There are three characteristics that may or may not add to a speaker's credibility. The first is perceived intelligence. Audiences tend to judge this by how much the speakers beliefs overlap with their own beliefs. Perceived intelligence also deals with practical wisdom and shared values. Therefore the opinions my audience members had of me depended on how much they valued sun exposure. If it was high on their list of priorities, they may have seen me as less credible, according to this theory.
The next aspect of credibility deals with the speaker's image as an honest person. This virtuous character is developed by showing that I am charitable and accepting. If I continued to put down those who like to tan, I would not be doing a good job of developing virtuous character.
Finally, credibility is affected by goodwill. This refers to how the audience members judge the speaker's intention. If I worked for a company that paid me to promote sunblock, I might be seen as less credible because I have much to gain from persuading my audience. However, I had only the best interest of the audience in mind. This may have led to a greater sense of goodwill in how the audience perceived me.
Emotional Proof
Aristotle made use of six sets of opposite feelings that he felt an effective speaker should be able to utilize. I made use of fear versus confidence. The fear could come from anyone concerned with premature aging or, in the worst case scenario, skin cancer. However, I tried to instil confidence in my audience by assuring them that they can protect themselves from the dangers of the sun.
The Five Canons of Rhetoric
Now I will explain how I made use of the Five Canons. I made use of invention, which is the construction of an argument, by finding a topic that can be relavent to college students. I then narrowed my choice to sun exposure because it is true that young people are often unconcerned with overexposure to the sun; it is something that many people don't feel they have to worry about until later in life. After deciding on a topic, I had to search for information to support my belief.
The next canon is to focus on a simple arrangement. You may have heard the phrase, "Tell them what you are going to say, say it, and then tell them what you told them." I used this idea by previewing my message. I told my audience what I hoped to accomplish in my speech. I then informed them through sharing my research, and finally recapped what my main points were. In order to do this effectively, I had to plan on what I was going to say ahead of time.
Aristotle told of how people learn best when learning is easy. Speaking in a style that is pleasant to the listener may help them to listen. While Aristotle condoned use of metaphors, I used much imagery to capture the attention of my readers. I spoke of the warm sun beating down on sandy beaches at the opening of my speech.
Memory is an important aspect of the speech. One must edit out useless information and practice the speech until it is familiar. While some people can spontaneously give an effective speech, most people must commit part of it to memory. I divided my speech into chunks of information that could easily be brought to mind. I began with imagery at the beginning, then told of the dangers of the sun, followed by precautions to take. I concluded by recapping what I had said. These four divisions helped me to remember what came next in my speech.
Delivery is a very important aspect of the speech. I spent time researching my information in hopes to find something that would be of interest to my audience. However, I rehearsed plenty before I stood before them to give my speech. Even if I had the most interesting information, it would not make a bit of difference if I appeared stiff and artifical in my delivery.
So now I have walked you through the process of giving a persuasive speech. Remember that the information can only be effective if the audience has a positive view of you, as a speaker.
Check out Katie's research page!
Take a look at Elizabeth's critique page!
Want to wow your friends with your intelligence? Here are some quotes from Aristotle.
Link to other cool sites that our group found!
Professor Gerry Philipsen uses the term rhetoric to mean both"discovery of truth" and "persuasive appeal" in his theory of Speech Codes. Read a research report entitled Developing Human Communication Theory that he wrote along with T. Albrecht.
Click here to link home
This page was last updated on 3/7/00
Logical ProofMajor or general premise: Prolonged sun exposure may lead to skin cancer
Minor or specific premise: Proper precaution will reduce the risk of skin cancer
Conclusion: You can reduce your risk of skin cancer
The second kind of proof is simply an example. I used examples to show how to reduce the risk of skin cancer. I told my audience they could use sunblock, avoid peak hours in the sun, and wear light colored clothing.
Ethical Proof
There are three characteristics that may or may not add to a speaker's credibility. The first is perceived intelligence. Audiences tend to judge this by how much the speakers beliefs overlap with their own beliefs. Perceived intelligence also deals with practical wisdom and shared values. Therefore the opinions my audience members had of me depended on how much they valued sun exposure. If it was high on their list of priorities, they may have seen me as less credible, according to this theory.
The next aspect of credibility deals with the speaker's image as an honest person. This virtuous character is developed by showing that I am charitable and accepting. If I continued to put down those who like to tan, I would not be doing a good job of developing virtuous character.
Finally, credibility is affected by goodwill. This refers to how the audience members judge the speaker's intention. If I worked for a company that paid me to promote sunblock, I might be seen as less credible because I have much to gain from persuading my audience. However, I had only the best interest of the audience in mind. This may have led to a greater sense of goodwill in how the audience perceived me.
Emotional Proof
Aristotle made use of six sets of opposite feelings that he felt an effective speaker should be able to utilize. I made use of fear versus confidence. The fear could come from anyone concerned with premature aging or, in the worst case scenario, skin cancer. However, I tried to instil confidence in my audience by assuring them that they can protect themselves from the dangers of the sun.
The Five Canons of Rhetoric
Now I will explain how I made use of the Five Canons. I made use of invention, which is the construction of an argument, by finding a topic that can be relavent to college students. I then narrowed my choice to sun exposure because it is true that young people are often unconcerned with overexposure to the sun; it is something that many people don't feel they have to worry about until later in life. After deciding on a topic, I had to search for information to support my belief.
The next canon is to focus on a simple arrangement. You may have heard the phrase, "Tell them what you are going to say, say it, and then tell them what you told them." I used this idea by previewing my message. I told my audience what I hoped to accomplish in my speech. I then informed them through sharing my research, and finally recapped what my main points were. In order to do this effectively, I had to plan on what I was going to say ahead of time.
Aristotle told of how people learn best when learning is easy. Speaking in a style that is pleasant to the listener may help them to listen. While Aristotle condoned use of metaphors, I used much imagery to capture the attention of my readers. I spoke of the warm sun beating down on sandy beaches at the opening of my speech.
Memory is an important aspect of the speech. One must edit out useless information and practice the speech until it is familiar. While some people can spontaneously give an effective speech, most people must commit part of it to memory. I divided my speech into chunks of information that could easily be brought to mind. I began with imagery at the beginning, then told of the dangers of the sun, followed by precautions to take. I concluded by recapping what I had said. These four divisions helped me to remember what came next in my speech.
Delivery is a very important aspect of the speech. I spent time researching my information in hopes to find something that would be of interest to my audience. However, I rehearsed plenty before I stood before them to give my speech. Even if I had the most interesting information, it would not make a bit of difference if I appeared stiff and artifical in my delivery.
So now I have walked you through the process of giving a persuasive speech. Remember that the information can only be effective if the audience has a positive view of you, as a speaker.
Check out Katie's research page!
Take a look at Elizabeth's critique page!
Want to wow your friends with your intelligence? Here are some quotes from Aristotle.
Link to other cool sites that our group found!
Professor Gerry Philipsen uses the term rhetoric to mean both"discovery of truth" and "persuasive appeal" in his theory of Speech Codes. Read a research report entitled Developing Human Communication Theory that he wrote along with T. Albrecht.
Click here to link home
This page was last updated on 3/7/00
Ethical ProofEmotional Proof
Aristotle made use of six sets of opposite feelings that he felt an effective speaker should be able to utilize. I made use of fear versus confidence. The fear could come from anyone concerned with premature aging or, in the worst case scenario, skin cancer. However, I tried to instil confidence in my audience by assuring them that they can protect themselves from the dangers of the sun.
The Five Canons of Rhetoric
Now I will explain how I made use of the Five Canons. I made use of invention, which is the construction of an argument, by finding a topic that can be relavent to college students. I then narrowed my choice to sun exposure because it is true that young people are often unconcerned with overexposure to the sun; it is something that many people don't feel they have to worry about until later in life. After deciding on a topic, I had to search for information to support my belief.
The next canon is to focus on a simple arrangement. You may have heard the phrase, "Tell them what you are going to say, say it, and then tell them what you told them." I used this idea by previewing my message. I told my audience what I hoped to accomplish in my speech. I then informed them through sharing my research, and finally recapped what my main points were. In order to do this effectively, I had to plan on what I was going to say ahead of time.
Aristotle told of how people learn best when learning is easy. Speaking in a style that is pleasant to the listener may help them to listen. While Aristotle condoned use of metaphors, I used much imagery to capture the attention of my readers. I spoke of the warm sun beating down on sandy beaches at the opening of my speech.
Memory is an important aspect of the speech. One must edit out useless information and practice the speech until it is familiar. While some people can spontaneously give an effective speech, most people must commit part of it to memory. I divided my speech into chunks of information that could easily be brought to mind. I began with imagery at the beginning, then told of the dangers of the sun, followed by precautions to take. I concluded by recapping what I had said. These four divisions helped me to remember what came next in my speech.
Delivery is a very important aspect of the speech. I spent time researching my information in hopes to find something that would be of interest to my audience. However, I rehearsed plenty before I stood before them to give my speech. Even if I had the most interesting information, it would not make a bit of difference if I appeared stiff and artifical in my delivery.
So now I have walked you through the process of giving a persuasive speech. Remember that the information can only be effective if the audience has a positive view of you, as a speaker.
Check out Katie's research page!
Take a look at Elizabeth's critique page!
Want to wow your friends with your intelligence? Here are some quotes from Aristotle.
Link to other cool sites that our group found!
Professor Gerry Philipsen uses the term rhetoric to mean both"discovery of truth" and "persuasive appeal" in his theory of Speech Codes. Read a research report entitled Developing Human Communication Theory that he wrote along with T. Albrecht.
Click here to link home
This page was last updated on 3/7/00
Emotional ProofThe Five Canons of Rhetoric
Now I will explain how I made use of the Five Canons. I made use of invention, which is the construction of an argument, by finding a topic that can be relavent to college students. I then narrowed my choice to sun exposure because it is true that young people are often unconcerned with overexposure to the sun; it is something that many people don't feel they have to worry about until later in life. After deciding on a topic, I had to search for information to support my belief.
The next canon is to focus on a simple arrangement. You may have heard the phrase, "Tell them what you are going to say, say it, and then tell them what you told them." I used this idea by previewing my message. I told my audience what I hoped to accomplish in my speech. I then informed them through sharing my research, and finally recapped what my main points were. In order to do this effectively, I had to plan on what I was going to say ahead of time.
Aristotle told of how people learn best when learning is easy. Speaking in a style that is pleasant to the listener may help them to listen. While Aristotle condoned use of metaphors, I used much imagery to capture the attention of my readers. I spoke of the warm sun beating down on sandy beaches at the opening of my speech.
Memory is an important aspect of the speech. One must edit out useless information and practice the speech until it is familiar. While some people can spontaneously give an effective speech, most people must commit part of it to memory. I divided my speech into chunks of information that could easily be brought to mind. I began with imagery at the beginning, then told of the dangers of the sun, followed by precautions to take. I concluded by recapping what I had said. These four divisions helped me to remember what came next in my speech.
Delivery is a very important aspect of the speech. I spent time researching my information in hopes to find something that would be of interest to my audience. However, I rehearsed plenty before I stood before them to give my speech. Even if I had the most interesting information, it would not make a bit of difference if I appeared stiff and artifical in my delivery.
So now I have walked you through the process of giving a persuasive speech. Remember that the information can only be effective if the audience has a positive view of you, as a speaker.
Check out Katie's research page!
Take a look at Elizabeth's critique page!
Want to wow your friends with your intelligence? Here are some quotes from Aristotle.
Link to other cool sites that our group found!
Professor Gerry Philipsen uses the term rhetoric to mean both"discovery of truth" and "persuasive appeal" in his theory of Speech Codes. Read a research report entitled Developing Human Communication Theory that he wrote along with T. Albrecht.
Click here to link home
This page was last updated on 3/7/00
The Five Canons of RhetoricCheck out Katie's research page!
Take a look at Elizabeth's critique page!
Want to wow your friends with your intelligence? Here are some quotes from Aristotle.
Link to other cool sites that our group found!
Professor Gerry Philipsen uses the term rhetoric to mean both"discovery of truth" and "persuasive appeal" in his theory of Speech Codes. Read a research report entitled Developing Human Communication Theory that he wrote along with T. Albrecht.
Click here to link home