What is the importance of rhetoric?

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. It is used to describe either persuasive writing or persuasive speech. It is not meant to deceive; rather, it is used in order to present an argument in such a way that people can follow and can logically come to the same conclusion as the speaker. Rhetoric does not only rely on facts; it also relies on the speaker's relationship to the audience. The user of rhetoric must at least sound credible in order to get the speaker or writer's point across effectively.

Since facts are irrefutable, the best users of rhetoric also rely on using language in a way that gets a response from the audience. This is best used by using language to get people to react emotionally. Having an understanding of connotation is important, as the use of a different word can alter the meaning of a sentence even though the words have a similar dictionary definition.

Rhetoric has always been important. Cicero and Aristotle were masters of rhetoric, and their works have been studied by law students for hundreds of years. Rhetoric is important to sway juries as well as for politicians to gain votes. A politician who can use language to motivate voters to come to the polls has an excellent chance of winning an election. Once elected, politicians can also use rhetoric to inspire people to do great things. Franklin Roosevelt's Fireside Chats are excellent uses of rhetoric, as they motivated people to endorse his New Deal policies.

G.K. Chesterton noted that the English, and English-speaking people in general, tend to be suspicious of rhetoric, regarding it as evidence of insincerity. A highly rhetorical writer himself, Chesterton opposes this attitude, pointing out that one would not consider a pianist more "sincere" because he or she refused to practice. Skillful use of words is an art, but it is no more "artificial" than any other art.

Rhetoric has been a vital part of education since the sophists taught it to aspiring public speakers in fifth-century Athens. In ancient Rome, to give a public speech at a young age was widely regarded as the essential beginning to a career in politics. Both Julius and Augustus Caesar, along with countless others, made their debuts in this way. Cicero, a middle-class lawyer with no military connections or senatorial background, rose to the consulship and became one of the great powers of Roman politics purely through the brilliance of his oratory. Indeed, one might easily write a history of politics which concentrated purely on the history of political rhetoric.

This may seem unfair to the taciturn men of action who have shaped history with deeds rather than words, but practically every memorable leader in history has been an effective speaker, even if he or she had to work hard to attain this effectiveness. In fact, the importance of rhetoric is precisely this. Many leaders and thinkers are naturally eloquent, but others are not. For them, rhetoric means that excellence in speech, like other types of excellence, is achievable through study and hard work. The study of rhetoric allows any reasonably apt pupil to become a highly competent orator, if not a sublime one, and attain a hearing.

What are the functions of rhetoric?

Rhetoric is the art of speaking or writing to persuade an audience. It is often used to place emphasis on a particular topic. There are many functions of rhetoric, including advocacy, education, and community building.

Rhetoric is often used in advocacy work because it can help draw attention to a particular issue. For instance, political speeches like Martin Luther King Jr.’s well-known “I Have A Dream” speech use rhetoric to bring attention to pressing political and social issues. In MLK's speech, he used rhetorical devices like antithesis and metaphor to emphasize the need for racial equality.

Another function of rhetoric is education. When speakers or writers use rhetoric to persuade an audience of their point, they typically have to use a lot of evidence and emphasis to prove that point. For example, in his “I Have A Dream” speech, MLK educated the public about racial inequity when he said things like “the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land.” He also educated the public about the importance of nonviolence when he said things like “we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.” This speech thus not only advocates for Black Civil Rights, but it also educates listeners on the issue and effective ways to combat the issue.

Finally, rhetoric also builds community. It is common for writers and speakers who use rhetoric to establish credibility and trust with their audience. For instance, in Patrick Henry’s famous “Speech to the Virginia Convention," he establishes credibility by implying that God supports his point of view. Similarly, a speaker advocating for the rights of working-class Americans might establish trust and credibility by explaining his working-class background. Establishing credibility and trust with an audience creates a sense of solidarity and community.