Rhetoric

Post date: Jan 31, 2012 5:56:52 PM

I had this as a document, but I think it's more helpful here. A way of thinking about effective writing using the traditional canons of rhetoric.

RHETORIC

EFFECTIVE WRITING

Invention: What do I want to say?

Topic

Thesis statements

Supporting Points

Arrangement: In what order will I say it?

Logical ordering of evidence

Transposition

Placement of rhetorical devices

Style: How will I express my ideas?

Audience

Tone

Figures of speech

Appeals: Logs, Pathos, Ethos

Grammar

Diction

Memory: How well do I know my topic? Can I discuss its intricacies? Can I extrapolate on various points? Do I know what others think about it? Can I present my argument in other media? Can I present my argument in other contexts?

Delivery: How do I present my finished work?

These canons of rhetoric cannot be considered merely linearly. They inform one another and require repeated circling back.

For example, I cannot narrow down what I am going to say (invention) until I understand the topic. Understanding the topic is an aspect of memory work. Similarly, in determining what I am going to say, I must consider my audience, as certain arguments are more relevant to certain audiences.