Rhetoric

Rhetoric has been the topic of discussion in our first two readings from Herrick and Aristotle. This term, rhetoric, though not often used today plays a major role in our every day lives. For students, the rhetoric used by professor often determines how interested we become in the particular subject being presented. Rhetoric is a key tool employed by motivational speakers, athletic coaches, military leaders, and politicians to rally individuals towards a particular feeling, effort, or cause. The authors of our texts both emphasize the persuasive character of rhetoric and how rhetoric alone can often influence the masses because of this dynamic. I believe that many would agree that the use of rhetoric played a vital role in the campaign of President Barack Obama for the 2008 presidential race. His eloquent and persuasive speaking ability alone allowed him to attract many votes even from stark Republican voters. I'm sure that everyone can think of at least one instance where they were persuaded by another's use of crafty rhetoric. Rhetoric is a key tool that should be studied by anyone wanting to be an effective leader, after all to be a leader one must first have others to lead, and rhetoric seems to be the tool of choice for attracting such a following.