In brief, “rhetoric” is any communication used to modify the perspectives of others. But this is a very broad definition that calls for more explanation.  In literature (fiction and poetry), several elements can be used as rhetorical devices, including metaphor, pun, imagery, parallelism, rhyme scheme, and many more.

The rhetorical situation refers to any set of circumstances that involves at least one person using some sort of communication to modify the perspective of at least one other person. But many people are unfamiliar with the word “rhetoric.” For many people, “rhetoric” may imply speech that is simply persuasive. For others, “rhetoric” may imply something more negative like “trickery” or even “lying.”  Key parts of the rhetorical situation include the following terms, easily recalled with the acronym SPACE CAT:

Introduction to Rhetoric
(Some sites/info/video):

Purdue University

TedTalk: Rethinking Rhetoric

RHETORICAL COMBAT:
Much like MORTAL COMBAT, RHETORICAL COMBAT was a game played by the most intelligent members of nations in the ancient world.  You will participate and compete to challenge other groups in class in a game of intellect and argument.  Does your group have the skills to INFLUENCE classmates and WIN at RHETORICAL COMBAT?