The power of Rhetoric.

Recently on twitter @Inkognegro and @MadamaAmbi have asked me to explain the power of rhetoric to them. It’s my favorite subject, so gladly! :)

“We are decision-making creatures capable of overruling our own instincts. The need for rhetoric grows on the fact that the human does not usually tolerate that which cannot be explained.” That is why we find that Pastors and Preachers are often the best rhetoricians. Our government and society is “based on probable, not certain, truths.” So politicians are well-known rhetoricians too. ‘’

Rhetoric often has a negative connotation, but a good communicator knows that it isn't a malicious term at all. Rhetoric can very superficially be defined as persuasive language, but when we look deeper into the process and the import we find that there are many components. The audience is one of the most important components. Many persuasive strategies are based on how the audience is perceived to interpret the rhetoric. If you give a speech to a class of 2nd graders with a vocabulary of a college graduate, you probably won’t connect with any member of the audience. Which also means that the audience determines the context of the rhetoric. A good rhetorician will research the audience and notice previously established beliefs of the audience. With that knowledge the rhetorician can decide the best method to communicate to their audience. Then their speech will be a “powerful lord” (thanks Socrates).

@MadamaAmbi, when we discuss feminism to people who don’t associate themselves with the word, then it's best (from a rhetorician perspective)we approach them from an angel they can relate with. We determine the best way to explain ourselves from their realities. In essence, we’ll co-construct a new reality. It’s an art.

“If there is an exigence (Bitzer’s term), and an audience who can act to solve the exigence, then there must be rhetorical strategies that will motivate the audience into action.” In reality, it can be exhausting and daunting to assess an audience and the exigence, but rhetoric is the only way to utilize those every options. And when it’s accomplished….well, just ask President Obama how his success feels!