Long before the written word, people used sophisticated and nuanced (definition: A subtle distinction or variation, typically planned.) oral communication skills to communicate their passions and positions to audiences.  Sometimes these audiences were receptive, and other times they were not.  An effective oral communicator knows that it's important to understand the audience - their demographic (definition:The statistical characteristics of human populations, such as age, gender, religion or income, etc.), as well as their ideology (definition:The set of ideas and beliefs of a group or political party.) - before saying a single word.  

While this might sound manipulative, some linguists argue that language's main purpose is to convince others.  For example, think about a time when you wanted something that you needed someone else's help to get.  Perhaps it was a new toy, or help with a tedious task, or support to ask someone out, or a curfew extension.  Odds are, you put some thought into how you would approach that person before you asked for anything.  In fact, you may have even considered what words, tone, time, place and even body language you would use to convince this person to agree.  After all, if you are asking for an extension on your curfew, it's likely you'll get a more positive answer if you use words that suggest reassurance and safety, and if you maintain a clear, non-arrogant tone. A positive answer will also be more likely if you ask during a time and place where the person potentially agreeing isn't stressed or in a bad mood, and if you use body language that indicates that you feel confident and involved in the discussion.  Alternately, think about applying for a job.  Would you swear and use slang, sound bored, interrupt a meeting and/or slump back in a chair?  Probably not (and you probably wouldn't get the job if you did!).  

Determining how, why and when to say something is an art, and this art form's name is rhetoric.  So, while it may carry a negative connotation, in reality, rhetoric is a series of tools that skilled oral communicators use to convey their message effectively.  While there are many different elements to rhetoric, its three main components are below.

Ethos: the presenter's credibility or authority, in the eyes of the target audience.

Pathos: the use of emotion to influence this audience.

Logos: the use reason and logic to create a persuasive argument for this audience.

Now that you've been introduced to rhetoric's main components, it’s time to determine your ability to detect ethos, pathos, and logos by completing the following interactive.

Long Description

Now that you've had a chance to hone your skills, it's time to learn how to use rhetoric to get what you want...

One way of using rhetoric to get what you want is by ranting.(definition:To speak in an emotionally charged manner for a short amount of time.) While rants can be loud, aggressive and illogical, when developed and delivered appropriately, they have the power to create large-scale change.  Canadian comedian Rick Mercer is famous for using his rants to question, critique and influence audiences' perceptions about subjects ranging from snow days, to young voters, to LGTBQ2I rights, to today's students. 

Public speaking has long been an avenue for expressing and sharing ideas.  Indeed, one of the reasons that democracy exists is that it usually guarantees people the right to express their ideas without immediate, negative consequences.  Sadly, this noble ideal is not always practiced in real life.  However, whether at a rally, in a courtroom, or simply conversing with your friends, public speaking enables people to express themselves.  Indeed, when it's effective, it can encourage change.  There are many different reasons to give a speech, including to be entertaining, persuasive, supportive and explanatory.  Depending on your speech's purpose, it can dramatically affect not only the content, but also its delivery.

When developing and delivering a speech, you must consider important elements such as your rhetorical choices, your audience, your message and your call-to-action.(definition:This is a statement designed to get an immediate response from the person reading or hearing it.) In addition, you must ensure it is thoroughly researched and accurate.  This doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to have opinions: instead, it means that you should recognize the difference between facts and opinions to ensure your speech is both effective and accurate.

To ensure you are able to tell the difference between facts and opinions, complete the following interactive.

It's important to conduct research that is vetted. (definition: Making a careful and critical examination of someone or something using reliable, often multiple, sources.) For example, you may have heard of the 7%-38%-55% rule for communication.  Essentially, this is a misinterpretation of psychology professor Albert Mehrabian's Decoding of Inconsistent Communications paper where people have wrongly presumed that only 7% of what people understand comes from the actual words said (with 38% being tone and 55% being body language).  Mehrabian clarifies his intention when he says, "Unless a communicator is talking about their feelings or attitudes, these equations are not applicable."  While it may be appealing to be able to tie communication to percentages, convenience doesn't make something true.