In just the first week of the semester, I have been faced with many definitions of rhetoric. Each came with a disclaimer: “there are many ways to define rhetoric.” From what I can conjure up, rhetoric is a communication tool, used to persuade or convince. It’s uses reach beyond day-to-day, speaker/audience communication. I see it as the manipulation of perception. Considering we are faced with rhetorical “attacks” on a daily basis, I am somewhat shocked that this is not taught in depth, if at all, in high school or even earlier. Although I had heard the word before, it seems important anyone should have an understanding of how it affects our own perception of our lives, especially in such a public, media driven time. I am even more surprised at the lack of mention of rhetoric during my studies for a BA in English Lit. at FIU. For my certificate in public and professional writing, and hopefully a future in writing professionally and creatively, it's obvious rhetoric will be one of the most important aspects to my career.
I'd say you are right on track with your definition of rhetoric. There are a great deal of ways to define it! And more, there are many fascinating disagreements over time. Keep in mind that as communication evolves, so does how we understand rhetoric. What seems most important about rhetorical study in today's communicative environment?
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