Understanding the Rhetorical Purpose: From Persuasion to Inspiration

The word "rhetoric" can mean different things in different contexts. As a rhetorician, I prefer to stick to its original purpose: persuasive language. This article will explore the origins and significance of rhetoric, particularly focusing on the different rhetorical purposes that underlie our speeches, writings, and communications.

The Evolving Meaning of Rhetoric: From Ancient Greece to Today

In ancient Greece and Rome, rhetoric was not merely an academic discipline but a practical tool for communication. Rhetoric schools flourished, training individuals in the art of persuasive argumentation. This emphasis on rhetoric remains a cornerstone of communication studies today. The term "rhetorical purpose" is used to describe the intended goal of a discourse or utterance in a persuasive manner. It encompasses various categories, including persuasion, argumentation, information, and aesthetic appeal.

Rhetorical Purpose: The Scope and Significance

The rhetorical purpose of a discourse or utterance is its general goal. Broadly, this can be divided into several categories:

Persuasion: Convincing the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint or take action. Information: Providing information or educating the audience about a specific topic. Entertainment: Engaging the audience through humor, storytelling, and other forms of entertainment. Explanatory: Clarifying complex ideas or processes for better understanding. Inspiration: Motivating the audience to feel or act in a certain way.

Often, more than one rhetorical purpose is present in a piece of communication. For instance, an unbiased literature review aiming to summarize experts' opinions on a subject may initially serve an informative purpose. However, if the writer then uses these opinions to forward their own argument or take a stance on a controversial issue, the purpose shifts towards argumentation or persuasion.

Rhetorical Analysis: The Goal and Impact of Persuasive Messages

The rhetorical purpose of a statement is the goal it aims to achieve in terms of persuading or influencing people. For example, when someone mentions that “Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State and very active in the White House during the Bill Clinton administration”, the message's purpose is to persuade people that Clinton would be competent at being President. Similarly, the statement that “Volvo cars have a top safety rating”, is intended to persuade people to favor Volvo cars if they value safety.

From Argument to Inspiration: A Spectrum of Rhetorical Goals

It is important to recognize the range within which the rhetorical purposes can exist. On one end of the spectrum, we have pure information, which serves to educate the audience. On the other end, we have persuasion, where the speaker aims to change the audience's beliefs and actions. Between these extremes are explanations, which seek to clarify concepts, and inspirations, which aim to motivate the audience.

An effective understanding of rhetorical purpose can help us analyze how communication affects the audience. It allows us to appreciate the nuances and complexities of persuasive messages and enhances our ability to communicate effectively. Whether one is crafting a speech, writing an academic paper, or composing a social media post, understanding the rhetorical purpose is crucial for achieving the intended effect.

Remember, the goal of rhetoric is not to deceive, but to enlighten and engage. When we comprehend the rhetorical purpose of a message, we gain insight into its structure and the intentions of the communicator. This understanding is fundamental to both public speaking and written communication, ensuring that our messages are clear, compelling, and effective.