Rhetorical strategies

English

Definition

The deliberate choices a writer or speaker makes to effectively communicate their message and persuade their audience. These include decisions about appeals (ethos, pathos, logos), tone, structure, evidence selection, and audience awareness.

Examples

  • A speaker establishing credibility by citing personal experience (ethos)
  • An essayist organizing arguments from weakest to strongest for maximum impact
  • An advertiser choosing emotional language to target parents' fears about safety

Related Terms

Ethos, pathos, logos Rhetorical devices Persuasive techniques Counterarguments

Study This Concept

Practice rhetorical strategies with free review games in these units:

English 10 Unit 4: Rhetoric and Persuasion