“Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion. This is not a function of any other art.” – Aristotle
Plato excelled in it, as did Socrates and Aristotle. And as lofty as it may seem, you too can count yourself as a “rhetor”—one who has mastered rhetoric—or, at the very least, sharpen your current rhetorical skills. We’ll explain how below, but let’s first examine the meaning of rhetoric.
Rhetoric isn’t just an ancient Greek concept; it’s a skill you likely use every day. Whether you’re making a case in a meeting, writing a persuasive email, or explaining an idea to a friend, you’re using rhetoric. But what exactly does this term mean, and how can understanding it make you a better communicator? Let’s break it down.
What began as a discipline centered around public speaking (often as part of political discourse) has taken on a broader definition: a way of communicating in written or verbal form that’s convincing to the audience.
At its core, rhetoric is the art of persuasion—the ability to identify what will convince a particular audience and how to deliver that message effectively.
The origins of rhetoric date back to ancient Greece, where it was considered a foundational part of education. Major philosophers like Aristotle, Plato, and Cicero formalized rhetorical theory, breaking it into key elements such as:
These principles still guide persuasive communication today, from courtroom arguments to TED Talks.
The connotation of rhetoric has changed over time and today is often negative. Someone who is “all talk and no substance” is said to be full of rhetoric. However, in the modern educational context, rhetoric is an important discipline.
While once tied closely to political speeches and legal debates, rhetoric now spans all forms of communication, from advertising and social media to academic writing and activism. Its scope has expanded, but its goal remains the same: influence, clarity, and connection.
Rhetorical skills are important to our professional and personal lives, and everyone can benefit from improving theirs. Whether you’re presenting a business idea, negotiating a raise, or writing a compelling cover letter, rhetorical techniques can help you:
In short, rhetoric gives you the tools to make your voice heard and understood.
Unfortunately, “rhetoric” often gets a bad rap. Many people associate it with empty words or political spin. But effective rhetoric isn’t about manipulation; it’s about clarity, intention, and persuasion with integrity.
According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, rhetoric is “the art of using language to inform, persuade, or motivate audiences.” Many would say that’s a skill worth growing, not avoiding.
Curious about how rhetoric works or why it matters? Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions about this powerful communication tool.
Join history’s great philosophers—and today’s most successful professionals—in being an exceptional communicator. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program can provide you with a firm, thorough foundation in rhetoric through courses like:
These courses are part of a robust curriculum that also delves into public speaking, media, research methods, and interpersonal communication. Through the study of these topics—and a broad spectrum of communication electives and general education subjects—you’ll develop expertise that can help you in any profession you choose to pursue.
Our BA in communication helps you develop strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as critical thinking and research skills, all of which are among the top talents sought by employers today.
Studies published by Forbes reveal that more than 90% of business leaders surveyed said that “soft skills” like communication are as important as hard skills when seeking candidates for employment. Further, about the same number of business leaders stated that identifying job candidates that possess these skills was challenging. The U.S. Department of Labor concurs that business leaders are actively seeking these skills among potential hires.
Our communication bachelor’s degree program is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format that gives you the flexibility to complete your coursework on your own schedule. From just about anywhere in the world, you can enjoy access to a quality education from UT Permian Basin: All you need is internet access and a compatible device. Your classes will feature the same curriculum taught by the distinguished faculty who teach at the UTPB campus, and most classes are just eight weeks long.
Learn the indispensable art of rhetoric as you hone your broader communication expertise through our online BA in communication program!
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/rhetoric
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/rhetoric
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