Rhetoric is defined as the art of persuasive speaking or writing. Rhetoric is one of the oldest courses of study throughout history. If you think about the time from which Rhetoric was born, it becomes obvious why its study has endured for so long.

During the time of Aristotle and Plato, mass media didn’t exist, print media didn’t exist; communication only included speech and writing. If you wanted to persuade someone, you’d have to have a knack for it. Through the utilization of Logos, Ethos, and Pathos, persuasion could become an art form.

The need for persuasion still exists, whether it is in marketing, research, or politics. We’ll never find a time when all humans are on the same page about anything; the ability to artfully persuade the masses will always be necessary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rhetoric_of_Hitler’s_%22Battle%22

The rhetoric theory was created by Aristotle, which is defined, “discovering all possible means of persuasion”. Aristotle said means are based on three types of persuasion. The three are logical, emotional and ethical proof. The logical proof comes from the line of argument, ethical proof is the way a speakers character is revealed and emotional is the feeling the listeners pick up from the speaker. Aristotle focused on three types of speaking which where forensic, epidetic and deliberative. The Forensic speaking purify decisions considering actions of the past the epidictic speaking consider praise and blame for present day audiences and the deliberative speaking attempts to influence those who consider future policy.

Example of a forensic speaking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVFPpuu9s_8

Rhetoric is the art of discovering all available means of persuasion. There are three rhetorical proofs: logos, ethos, pathos, but i will be focusing on pathos. Emotional proof or pathos is the feeling the speech draws from the listeners. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech was filled with all three rhetorical proofs, but to most people around the country or world the resonating factor was pathos. His dream portrayed an outstanding message and outlook on life that people should embrace. It brought tears of joy to some, and anger to others.

“I Have A Dream”

According to Aristotle, rhetoric is “the art of discovering ways to make truth seem more probable to an audience that isn’t completely convinced.” Aristotle created four different proofs or categories for rhetoric: rhetorical proof, logical proof, ethical proof, and emotional proof. Emotional proof, otherwise known as pathos, is essential in a speech because it can help sway the audience one way or another in the form of emotions. There are many different forms of emotional proof, including “admiration versus envy” which is when the speaker shows how “an individual has acquired life’s goods through hard work rather than mere luck” so that their admiration or self esteem will increase. This form of emotional proof is used in the film, Miracle. Herb Brooks, the coach of the US ice hockey team, delivers a speech at the end of the film right before the team plays the Soviets in the championship game. This speech brings about many emotions for the team in order to inspire them. He starts off by telling the team, “great moments are born from great opportunities” and how this team has earned to be in the championship game. Herb’s delivery builds the team’s confidence for the game. For example, when he tells the team “we are the best hockey team in the world tonight,” he is demonstrating his confidence in them. All of the built up emotions Herb has created are now ready to be released in the rink.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdmyoMe4iHM

(Start video at 1:40)

The rhetoric is defined as, “discovering all possible means of persuasion”. There are inartistic proofs, evidence that the speaker doesn’t create, and artistic proofs, evidence that the speaker does create. There are three different types of artistic proofs: logical, ethical, and emotional.

Ethical proof is known as perceived credibility which is derived from knowing the intelligence, character, and goodwill of the speaker. These characteristics are key in having a speaker that really connects with the audience and really wants their message to be heard. Having intelligence means that the audience can make a connection between their own beliefs and what the speakers message is. Character is shown by being a good and honest person. Finally, goodwill is having the audience’s best interest at heart.

In this episode of One Tree Hill, Karen is fighting for Coach Whitey to still be the head coach of the Ravens basketball team against the town’s mayor, Dan Scott, who happens to be the father of her son. She is known as a very kind cafe owner who has grown up in the town of Tree Hill her whole life. Having known Coach Whitey her whole life and attending this high school she is seen as very knowledgeable about the subject at hand. The audience definitely agrees with what she has to say and we can see that through their body language of shaking their heads in agreement. Karen genuinely cares for the well being of the town and Coach Whitey through the charismatic words she uses in her speech.

Karen displays all three characteristics of being a credible source, just like the ethical proof calls for.

https://docs.google.com/a/wfu.edu/file/d/0B3TFGVb5Zd5IYUw4Z29lSW9fX3M/edit