Theories of rhetoric

Theories of rhetoric explore how language persuades and influences audiences. Classical theories, like Aristotle’s, focus on three pillars: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic). Modern theories examine how communication shapes perceptions and decisions, emphasizing context, audience, and purpose. Rhetoric isn’t just about persuasion; it’s about understanding how language can inform, motivate, or change viewpoints. These theories help analyze speeches, writing, and media to see how they effectively reach and impact people.