Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students (2nd Edition)

The very utterance of the word "rhetoric" conjures images ofancient history -- of Plato or Socrates engaged in some argumentative discourse, or ofsome austere philosopher preaching about abstract ideas that have no practical relevance toeveryday life. But the art of rhetoric is not so ancient nor so abstract -- in fact, it has neverbeen so alive as it is today; in a world saturated with advertisements, media reports, andtelevised trials -- in which every citizen has a soapbox -- personal rhetoric remains a vitaltool of expressive survival. This book revives the classical strategies of ancient Greek andRoman rhetoricians and adapts them to the needs of contemporary writers and speakerswho want to improve their persuasive skills. It shows that rhetoric, as it was practiced andtaught by the ancients, was an intrinsic part of daily life and communal discourse aboutcurrent events. This is a fresh interpretation of the ancient canon of composing: invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. The authors'engaging discussion and their many contemporary examples of ancient rhetorical principlespresent rhetoric as a set of flexible, situational practices. The new edition discusses morethoroughly the relevance of classical commonplaces to American political ideologies. Abrief history of ancient rhetorics provides an interesting background for readers. A chapteron memory includes advice for strengthening memory, and a chapter on delivery addressespage design and layout as well as electronic delivery systems such as e-mail and websites. A bibliography and glossary of terms provide additional resources and furtherexplanations. Educators, writers, speakers, and anyone interested in a contemporary translation of ancient rhetorics.