The Rhetorical Triangle in Action - Essay Example

 The Rhetorical Triangle in Action Introduction A rhetorical triangle is an ideal theory for perfect communication and offers avenues for audience persuasion. The listener is appealed through three ways: ethos, pathos, and logos. The application of the ideal theory is seen through analyzing two articles; "Frustration with leadership drives teacher from HISD" by Jennifer, and "Waiting for a School Miracle" by Diane. I. Pathos Pathos is used to bring out emotions and attachment in communication. Jennifer uses pathos to bring out her attachment to the teaching career through eliciting emotions. Dunlap in his video also elicits emotion by explaining how his uncle fought the KuKlux Clan, while he took his family to safety. II. Logos Logos signifies accurate and logical arguments in communication. Jennifer uses her skill in logical argument to prove that even though she does not care about the EVAAS system, it still rates her highly. Diane also utilizes logos by using facts to make her point that even though Urban Prep was praised; it still scored far below ACT scores. III. Ethos. Ethos is used to bring out credibility and realness in communication. In describing the problems in the education system, Diane uses a diplomatic tone. Mr. Dunlap on the other hand uses gestures and some Hungarian language to bring out the authenticity and realness of his story. IV. Conclusion The rhetorical triangle is equilateral (logos, pathos, and ethos). If one of them is in excess such as logos, then the audience can switch off. Conversely, if the pathos is in excess, then the accuracy of the argument would be doubted. The rhetorical triangle in action Introduction The Rhetorical Triangle is premised on Aristotle’s idealism of perfect communication. The theory delves into a speaker’s ability to persuade his audience. The speaker has to appeal to listeners from three different angles, which Aristotle called ethos, pathos and logos. Each point plays a role in order that communication is successful. These points of the triangle concur with Aristotle's three appeals That is; Rational Appeals (logos) which are like facts, anecdotes, authoritative voices; Emotional Appeals (pathos) which include belief in fairness; and lastly, Ethical Appeals (ethos) that entails trustworthiness, fairness, and credibility (Rumage, Bean and Johnson ). Since the advent of formal education in America, pundits and academicians have always given views of what they think about the system. There has been controversy regarding racial prejudice, social prejudice, the relevance of subjects, and much more. Jennifer Blessington and Diane Ravitch write about the education system as it is. In their articles titled "Frustration with leadership drives teacher from HISD" and "Waiting for a School Miracle" respectively, they employ the points of the rhetorical triangle as envisioned by Aristotle. Together with Ben Dunlap (in his video presentation), they bring out how the rhetorical triangle is utilized in successful communication. Pathos is used to bring out emotions and attachment in communication. Blessington uses pathos to bring out her attachment to the teaching career through eliciting emotions. Dunlap in his video also elicits emotion by explaining how his uncle fought the KuKlux Clan, while he took his family to safety. Ravitch begins with an authoritative voice but then concludes with an appealing statement. Logos signifies accurate and logical arguments in communication. Blessington uses her skills in logical argument to prove that even though she does not care about the EVAAS system, it still rates her highly. Ravitch too utilizes logos by using facts to reinforce her point that even though Urban Prep was praised, it still scored far below ACT scores. Ethos is used to bring out credibility and realness in communication. Blessington uses skillful analysis of facts regarding her topic to argue her points. In describing the problems in the education system, Ravitch uses a diplomatic tone to persuade her readers into critcally analyzing the situation. Mr. Dunlap on the other hand uses gestures, anecdotes, sayings and smooth flow in his narration. His mastery of the Maoian language brings out the authenticity and conviction power of his story. Pathos Blessing ton, in the introduction of her article, uses pathos by bringing out her attachment to her teaching career even though it was not her first. She talks of how she enjoyed intermingling with the kids, the way they made her happy and the touching messages they wrote on her desk. She exudes genuine affection towards her job and the school children. Ravitch too uses pathos when she finishes her article with an emotional statement: “If every child arrived in school well-nourished, healthy and ready to learn, from a family with a stable home and a steady income, many of our educational problems would be solved.” She therefore drops the authoritative stance and seems to be appealing to every one of what is required, and what would work out, in order that school-going children achieve the desired goals. In his video presentation, Ben Dunlap talks about those people who impacted his life. He talks of his close ties with Hungary, how he dreams of its landscapes. He tells the story of racism, acts of stealing, the holocaust, music, death, love, family, survival, success in business and much more that stirs emotional feelings inside the audience. Logos Logical appeal is how the person presents their arguments and facts to connect the reader with reasons as to why they support a certain point, and how their view articulates with the arguments. Blessington writes that even though she doesn't put much weight on Education Value Added Assessment System, the same system rates her highly. She gives reasons why the system used to test the teachers are faulty and unreliable. She writes, “eighth-grade U.S. history teachers earn their EVAAS scores strictly from the Stanford, which includes questions on world history, anthropology, and sociology - none of which are included in the eighth-grade state curriculum.” She reasons out well so that the reader could see the essence of her arguments. In her article, Ravitch goes straight to facts. She outlines various faults that have been made to appear as facts. She writes; "Educators know that 100 percent proficiency is impossible, given the enormous variation among students and the impact of family income on academic performance." She further explains that, even though Education Secretary praised Urban Prep Academy, a former teacher and instructor at Louisiana State University, confirmed that the school's ACT scores were far below the state average, hence, she sees no point in the government’s view that things are improving. She continues digging onto different issues and connecting them to her point of view. Ethos Ethical appeal brings elements of fairness and credibility onto a story. The way a speaker presents himself, the way he articulates his knowledgeable of the subject, if he is consistent, reasonable, and if he sounds credible. He should align to the audience’s sense of ethics. The stature of the speaker or writer is usually connected to their understanding of a particular topic they are arguing about. Ravitch is indicated to be a research professor of education at New York University, and an author too. She therefore comes across as someone trustworthy and credible too. Bessington too indicates that she is putting her points across as one of those in the sector, and therefore she has a better panorama at the real situation. In his presentation, Dunlap begins with the phrase "Yal na pak pazakh!" In closing, he winds up with the creed "Esami mum-kank! Yal na pak pazakh." He openly demonstrates his knowledge of the Maoian language, spoken in Hungary -a country he gives a number of references to. Bessington, uses a counter argument. Counter arguments are necessary because they let the speaker to prove that they have looked at alternatives to their point of view, and where fit highlight the shortcomings. For example, she indicates that “...if you are going to hold teachers accountable for the value added to student achievement, do it with data that we can use to help our kids improve.” She therefore does not completely object to testing the productivity of teachers; she however gives an option that would be more helpful. Combined approaches from the rhetorical triangle. There are some statements that touch on two or all three postulates of the rhetorical trianlgle. For example, the statement by Blessington, “eighth-grade U.S. history teachers earn their EVAAS scores strictly from the Stanford, which includes questions on world history, anthropology, and sociology - none of which are included in the eighth-grade state curriculum. So what's a teacher supposed to teach?" has elements of pathos, logos, and ethos. Conclusion The Rhetorical Triangle is equilateral (Jacklyn 1). The speaker should use both emotional and logical appeals because an argument that is 100 percent facts and figures can switch off the audience. Conversely, arguments that are purely on emotional appeal may cause the audience to lose focus due to a lack of ‘proof’. Speaking is an art that needs knowledge of audience behaviors. From an audience’s perspective, it breaks down into an awesome blend of words, music with dance. Words are what are said or written. Music is the way it is said and dance is brought out by movement on stage and gestures; the speaker’s body language and facial expressions play a role too. Works Cited Jaclyn Lutzke and Mary F. Henggeler, School of Liberal Arts, University Writing Center Cavanaugh Hall 427 University Library 2125 (317)274-2049 (317)278-8171 (November 2009) Lunsford, Andrea A., John J Ruszkiewicz., and Keith Waters. Everything is an argument. 3rd Ed, New York: Bedford, St. Martins, 2004. Rumage, Bean and Johnson, The rhetorical triangle, Fundamentals of effective persuasive writing, Academic support centre. Jennifer Blessington “Frustration with leadership drives teacher from HISD" (2011) Diane Ravitch "Waiting for a School Miracle" The New York Times ( May 31, 2011) Ben Dunlap, “Ted talk” (2011) Read More