Rhetorical Theory Research Articles

Carnival, charisma, and kayfabe: The delegation of intellectual labor through ludic layering in Donald Trump's rhetorical style

AbstractThe many aberrations of Donald Trump's political career are important to analyze not only with regard to the state of the union but also for how they challenge existing theories of rhetoric, power, and performance. Among the studies conducted during and after Trump's presidential term to explain his persistent appeal to millions of Americans, scholars have constructively focused on his particular style of authoritarian populism, his revival of a premodern form of charisma, and his entanglements with professional wrestling. Taken together, these theoretical foci inform my approach to an underexamined subset of Trumpian utterances: those that simultaneously evoke entirely incompatible meanings, from the frivolous to the aggressive. Examining a series of such perplexing verbal and visual rhetorical moments through the lenses of the carnivalesque, the berserk charismatic, and the fractal fictions of kayfabe, I develop a theory of the delegation of intellectual labor through ludic layering that accounts for some of the power of Trump's rhetorical performances and is potentially applicable to understanding polyvocality in other populists' rhetoric. I further show how this concept suggests improvements on existing recommendations for listening to and reporting on an authoritarian figure like Trump.

Implementation of Technical Communication Pedagogy in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review

One of the most significant needs in technical communication is to teach students how to communicate complex technical information. This paper systematically reviews the literature to map technical communication (TC) pedagogical strategies and theoretically underpinned approaches. The overall purpose is to illuminate patterns and trends in research that describe TC pedagogy, specifically learning objectives, method of delivery, content, assessment strategies, and theoretical frameworks. Following PRISMA guidelines, the study conducted detailed content analysis on 39 publications from 2017 to 2023 based on specific inclusion criteria.. Results show increasing trends in interdisciplinary, inclusive, and technology-driven approaches and recurrent themes of student-centered objectives, technology-based delivery, and diverse assessments, with Rhetorical Theory being the dominant theoretical framework in TC pedagogy research. Based on the findings, it is recommended that future research and practice in TC pedagogy prioritize the integration of comprehensive theoretical frameworks, such as social constructivism, genre theory, and rhetorical theory, to enhance the effectiveness of teaching strategies and better prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

Rhetoric’s Unconscious: Freud, Burke, Lacan

ABSTRACT Despite seemingly broad acceptance within rhetorical theory, the category of the unconscious has remained understudied and misunderstood ever since Kenneth Burke first appropriated the concept from psychoanalysis, and his unquestioned commitment to conventional anthropocentric binaries continues to obscure the role and function of the unconscious within communication into this century. Offering a corrective reanalysis of the Freudian apparatus for contemporary rhetoricians, this article shows where Burke went wrong in his early encounter with psychoanalysis and suggests a vital alternative approach in the cybernetic recasting of Jacques Lacan, which suggests the possibility of an unconscious without Dramatism’s traditional humanist assumptions. In a lateral turn bringing this imagined dialogue between Burke and Lacan into our era, the article demonstrates how a Lacan-inflected posthumanist revision of rhetoric’s unconscious is better suited to address contemporary issues of mediated communication, such as the pedagogical import of AI and ChatGPT.

Vector Rhetoric: GPT’s Rhetorical Agency

ABSTRACT The growing capabilities of large language models (LLMs) pose important questions for rhetorical theory and pedagogy. This article offers an overview of how LLMs like GPT work and a consideration of whether they should be considered rhetorical agents. To answer this question, the article considers structural and argumentative similarities in classical theorizations of rhetoric and the philosophy of Wilfrid Sellars. GPT’s particular method of encoding statistical patterns in language gives it some rudimentary semantics and reliably generates acceptable natural language output, so it should be considered to have a degree of rhetorical agency. But it is also badly limited by its restriction to written text, and an analysis of its interface shows that much of its rhetorical savvy is caused by the highly restricted rhetorical situation created by the ChatGPT interface.

Rhetoric for Crowds

Gustave Le Bon’s eminent work The Crowd is considered as one of the fundamental works in mass psychology. Concurrently, the importance of this work and the impact it had on communication practices has been recently recognized by some of the scholars. While The Crowd primarily places focus on meticulous description of origin and psychological condition of the crowd, this paper suggests that, among others, Le Bon uses psychological discourse to define rhetorical precept that can be used as an agency for eliciting such condition. It is the purpose of this paper to extract and present the guidelines suggested by Le Bon in his work for mass oratory and corroborate it with apposite rhetorical theory in order to lend credibility to this thesis. Through broader treatment of rhetorical modes of pathos (state and language that induces it), orator, oration, and kairos (the right moment), with other hitherto rhetorical and linguistic insights, Le Bon constitutes activation means for evoking the psychological phenomena of the crowd. This paper represents Le Bon’s explicit and implicit rhetorical instructions in The Crowd by constructing the rhetorical model and indicating that his scholarly contribution was rhetorical as was psychological, suggesting consideration of his inclusion in the history of rhetoric and his contribution to the development of contemporary communication practices. This paper represents an interdisciplinary rhetorical model that engages the field of interest of various scientific disciplines, such as linguistics, rhetoric, communicology, public relations, and their subbranches.

ANALISIS RETORIKA ARISTOTELES PADA KAJIAN ILMIAH MEDIA SOSIAL DALAM MEMPERSUASI PUBLIK

In order to build public awareness of the current crisis, many persuasive messages are disseminated through social media. Public communication is considered to be utilizing the power of YouTube as a popular social media platform in effectively communicating crisis through persuasive messages. In previous research the three aspects of ethos, pathos, and logos have been found as evidence of rhetoric in conveying persuasive messages made by YouTubers. The implications of study about rhetoric continue to develop today. This study aims to review other Aristotle’s rhetoric concepts that has not been analyzed in previous studies. The research used qualitative exploratory methods including in-depth interviews and observations. The sample size of participants in this study follows the concept of saturation. The study uncovered that there are two other concepts regarding rhetorical theory by Aristotle in this study — the type of rhetoric used and the five rhetorical canons when the speaker conveys a message. The researcher suggests further research to explore the concept of rhetorical inartistic evidence that is outside the rhetoric element brought by the speaker, so that the study can be discussed more comprehensively.

Теория аргументации в России: опыт реконструкции традиции

The author considers the study of the history of developing argumentation prob­lems in Russia as an urgent task and contribution to the development of the the­ory of argumentation corresponding the present challenges. The article presents a general view of the theory of argumentation as one of the programs of “axial time” in the history of humankind – realizing, first of all, the ideas of Aris­totelian “Rhetoric”. The author interprets Russian intellectual culture as one of the heirs of ancient Greek and explores the prerequisites and circumstances of the formation of the theory of argumentation as a research area in the USSR. Special attention is paid to the role that logic played in this case. The author in­sists that it was the maintenance of traditional logic positions in Soviet education in the middle of the XX century that led to the interpretation by domestic scien­tists of the theory of argumentation as having logic as a basis. This was a signi­ficant difference between the Soviet (and Russian) approach from the Western European one. The last was formed in conditions when the mathematization of logic led to the displacement of traditional logic from the field of research and education. This factor explains the opposition of argumentation to proof that was stressed by Ch. Perelman and his followers. Perelman proceeded from the inter­pretation of logical proof as a sequence of formulas constructed according to cer­tain rules. Considering the discussion by Russian philosophers and philologists of the question of the relationship between the theory of argumentation and rhetoric, the author of the article evaluates the idea of “argumentorics” put for­ward by V.N. Bryushinkin at the beginning of this century as very promising. The author shows that the rhetorical teaching of M.V. Lomonosov, set out in the treatise “A brief guide to eloquence. The first book, which contains rhetoric…” has every reason to be understood as an “argumentoric” theory. The article was prepared for the 70th anniversary of the Department of Philoso­phy for Humanities at Lomonosov Moscow State University

Pemanfaatan modalitas dalam pidato inspiratif: analisis retorika pidato Maudy Ayunda sebagai JUBIR G20

This study examines Maudy Ayunda's speech as a spokesperson at the G20 Presidency event from December 1, 2021, to November 30, 2022, with the theme "Increasing tax transparency globally to overcome tax avoidance." This research employs rhetorical theory. The aim is to understand Maudy Ayunda's rhetoric when delivering a speech at the G20 forum. Data collection was conducted by watching and analyzing audio-visual articles. The research results indicate that Maudy Ayunda's language style encompasses the rhetorical theory of clarity, accuracy, and appropriateness. This is also evidenced by Maudy Ayunda's ability to construct sentences with clarity, strength, harmony adeptly, and the use of non-verbal language styles.

Reestructuración en la organización del poder judicial del estado de Paraíba, Brasil: Un análisis de los discursos de los actores jurídicos a la luz del principio de eficiencia

With the recent financial crises and the lack of resources faced by the State, its branches, and various entities have been promoting a restructuring of their administrative organization. In this scenario, the State Judiciary of Paraíba (TJPB) was no exception. It had to adopt internal measures to navigate this situation, particularly the public policy of closing courthouses scattered throughout the State. To address these issues, this work aimed to analyze and assess this restructuring in light of the constitutional principle of efficiency, while also addressing the main social implications such measures could cause, especially concerning the constitutional principles of broad judicial protection and the dignity of the human person. Based on important legal scholars, the theoretical framework covered essential topics for understanding the issue, such as the basic organization of the Brazilian public administration and the constitutional principles applicable to public administration. The methodology used was descriptive, qualitative, and bibliographic, also employing the method of argumentation analysis from the New Rhetoric theory. In the discussion of the topic, the reasons justifying the closure of courthouses by the judiciary were made explicit, as well as the reasons and counterarguments expressed by civil society entities that criticized these measures based on the social impacts they will cause. Thus, it became evident that administrative measures cannot apply the principle of efficiency solely through technical or quantitative perspectives but must also weigh social consequences as relevant criteria.

THE BADI’ FACE IN SERMON QASS BIN SAIDA AL-IYADI

This article explores the types of verbal escalation found in several sermon Qass bin Sa'ida al-Iyadi. The researcher uses Arabic rhetoric theory as written by Abd al-Rahman Hassan Habankah al-Maidani on the topic "Arab Rhetoric, its Foundations, Science and Art", especially in the Badi' chapter on rhetoric. The way to use this theory is to look for words or sentences that match the sermon with the types written in the book. The method used by researchers in analyzing this research is a qualitative research method by taking a library analysis approach and specifying activities and library materials without requiring field research. The method used to collect data is a method of increasing persistence in research, namely a method that relates to things and variables in the form of writing, images or large works.The results of the analysis of Al-Badi''s face using the rhetorical theory of Al-Badi' Kutbah by Qass bin Sa'ida Al-Ayadi, namely 17 complete anaphora parts, 44 non-tan anaphora parts, 113 assonance parts, 4 balance parts, 31 response parts, sacrum on the chest, 24 from harmony, 2 from hugs, 4 from unnecessary habits, and 1 from the heart or opposite.

Persuasive Through Ethos, Logos, and Pathos in BTS' Speech at The White House

Race is the diversity given by God Almighty. Race can be understood as the distinctive characteristics of a nation in groups based on different physical characteristics. This difference is a beautiful thing because humans do not only consist of one group, but also various groups with differences that can complement one another. Unfortunately, in the reality of social life, there is still discrimination against certain races with different physical forms from the majority in a region. The United States is an example of a country that has the highest level of racism in the world. The Asian-American race often experiences acts of racism that result in fatalities. BTS, a band from South Korea, became the representative of Asians invited by Joe Biden to speech at The White House to express their concern about hate crimes. The purpose of this study is to analyze BTS' speech regarding racial issues towards Asians at The White House from the perspective of Rhetorical theory using the elements of ethos, logos, and pathos. The speech reflected the reality of racism towards Asian ethnic groups, as well as a solution to end this problem by fighting racism at all levels of society. This research uses the interview method by collecting primary and secondary data from relevant books, journal articles, and websites to analyze the Rhetoric speech by BTS in order to get accurate results. The implications of the results of this study include improving Rhetoric not only used in Political occasions but can be used for anyone like BTS did from an entertainment background.

Analyzing the Use of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Professional Communication

Effective communication is paramount in the professional business world, serving as a crucial tool to bridge gaps and foster collaboration in workplace settings. The standard measurement of an organization's success lies in the professionalism of its communication, ensuring a seamless conveyance of messages to constituents. Daily interactions are influenced by numerous individual, institutional, and societal factors, which may complicate what might initially seem like a natural and straightforward process. The inability to communicate in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing, can lead to breakdowns in communication among colleagues. This qualitative research aims to explore the practical application of Aristotle's ethos, pathos, and logos in writing within the workplace, with the objective of enhancing professional communication in the 21st century. The focus is on the reliance on persuasive email writing to elaborate on how these three rhetorical appeals are employed in professional communication. The study will delve into various situational factors, including audience characteristics, the type of communication, and the organizational culture, and their influence on the application of ethos, pathos, and logos. The research also seeks to quantify the use of these rhetorical appeals across diverse forms of professional communication, such as reports and emails. A sample of fifty employees from the Klang Valley region participated in the study. Surveys were conducted, and samples of formal email writings were collected from participants who have agreed to remain anonymous, adhering to organizational requirements. The acquired data underwent a thematic analysis grounded in Aristotle's Rhetorical Theory to extract meaningful insights. This research aspires to contribute to a deeper understanding of effective professional communication, providing practical insights for the improvement of communication skills in the contemporary workplace. The thematic analysis will illuminate patterns and nuances in the application of ethos, pathos, and logos, ultimately facilitating more nuanced and impactful communication strategies.

Bridging gaps in image meme research: A multidisciplinary paradigm for scaling up qualitative analyses

AbstractThis paper outlines a multidisciplinary framework (Digital Rhetorical Ecosystem or DRE3) for scaling up qualitative analyses of image memes. First, we make a case for applying rhetorical theory to examine image memes as quasi‐arguments that promote claims on a variety of political and social issues. Next, we argue for integrating rhetorical analysis of image memes into an ecological framework to trace interaction and evolution of memetic claims as they coalesce into evidence ecosystems that inform public narratives. Finally, we apply a computational framework to address the particular problem of claim identification in memes at large scales. Our integrated framework answers the recent call in information studies to highlight the social, political, and cultural attributes of information phenomena, and bridges the divide between small‐scale qualitative analyses and large‐scale computational analyses of image memes. We present this theoretical framework to guide the development of research questions, processes, and computational architecture to study the widespread and powerful influence of image memes in shaping consequential public beliefs and sentiments.

Retorika Gubernur Provinsi Kalimantan Timur dalam Menghadapi Jurnalis Terkait Berita Lubang Tambang

This study aims to determine and analyze the rhetoric of the Governor of East Kalimantan speaking in front of the mass media with the basis of Aristotle's theory as the researcher's standard. The theory used in this research is Aristotle's Rhetoric theory, in its development, rhetoric also includes the process of adjusting ideas to people and adjusting people to ideas through various kinds of messages. From the research results, it can be concluded that rhetoric plays an important role in public communication, especially in the context of political discourse through the mass media. The Governor of East Kalimantan, Isran Noor, with his straight-talking style, managed to use rhetoric effectively to influence public opinion, build relationships with the media, and inspire the public. In a situation that does not have an official communication team, the Governor is still able to manage his communication well and have a positive impact.

Bodies of Knowledge: Biomarkers and Rhetoric of the Body

This manuscript offers a critical rhetorical analysis of a multi-site, longitudinal study’s procedures in collecting and recording biomarkers. This manuscript opens new areas of exploration for the field of the rhetoric of health and medicine as the biomarker sampling for measures of stress, and resilience tie to critical rhetorical theories surrounding power and the body. The training manuals and protocols disseminated to the multi-site research team serve as rhetorical artifacts to examine questions of how the choices of biomarkers and the procedures employed to collect the samples needed to measure them are in and of themselves a production of health knowledge of the bodies and identities of transgender and gender diverse people. This manuscript presents an investigation of the processes of biomarker sample collection in conjunction with how the biomarkers are conceptualized as a means of deconstructing hegemonic assertions of gender and health normality.

Derailing the capitalist engine: theorizing relations of mujō through Mugen Train

ABSTRACT As one of the most successful pieces of transnational popular culture, we rhetorically analyze the compelling critique of neoliberal capitalism in the 2020 anime film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train. Alongside this criticism of neoliberal capitalism, we theorize relations of mujō (無常/impermanence) found in the film, foregrounding this Buddhist principle to advance ways of being that resist neoliberal capitalist impulses. We forward three tenets that emerge in our analysis of this film: (1) recognizing that all beings are embedded within shared entanglements; (2) holding all beings responsible to serve others; (3) transcending the bounds of death by passing the torch of omoi (想い/human feeling). We argue that Mugen Train’s protagonists, the Demon Slayers, embody mujō that demonstrates how those under capitalist subjugation can only be liberated by recognizing human community grounded in such a relational ethic. We thus situate relations of mujō as a critical rhetorical theory that releases us from the neoliberal capitalist pursuit of mugen (無限/limitless).

The Poetic Argument Between the Poet and The Receiver According To Dissociation Techniques in The New Rhetoric Theory of Perelman and Tyteca The Middle Kurdish Poetry as A Model

The Poetic Argument Between the Poet and The Receiver According To Dissociation Techniques in The New Rhetoric Theory of Perelman and Tyteca The Middle Kurdish Poetry as A Model

Softening the Blow: The Power of Rhetorical Frames Used by Social Media Influencers with Sponsorship Disclosure

This study explores how social media influencers’ (SMIs) endorsements preceding commercials can increase positive response, even when sponsorship is disclosed. We employed three rhetorical frames—transparency, co-orientation, and downplaying—in a real-world test scenario involving TV commercials for two energy corporations with problematic reputations. A national survey with 644 respondents revealed that each rhetorical frame significantly bolstered positive attitudes toward the featured corporations. These attitude shifts were mediated by reductions in persuasion knowledge and increases in message credibility. Our findings not only support but also extend existing theories on endorsement effectiveness by integrating the insights from rhetorical theory. It shows that understanding the nuances of ‘how’ a message is delivered, through rhetorical framing, can be as crucial as ‘what’ is being said.

Strategi Komunikasi Arja Muani Akah Canging Sebagai Hiburan Inovatif Di Desa Munggu Kecamatan Mengwi Kabupaten Badung

ABSTRACT One of the performances in Bali that is often performed is the arja dance drama, but in this millennial era, interest in arja drama dances has begun to decline. Arja is known as a classic theater with long and boring performances. The communication strategy was used by the Arja Muani Akah Canging group as an effort to attract the interest of the audience, from young to old. Arja muani Akah Canging provides a new atmosphere in presenting his show as innovative entertainment. The problems raised in this research are (1) what is the communication strategy of arja muani Akah Canging as innovative entertainment in Munggu Village, Mengwi sub-district, Badung regency? (2) what is the function of the communication strategy in staging arja muani Akah Canging as innovative entertainment in Munggu village, Mengwi sub-district, Badung district? (3) what are the implications of the arja muani Akah Canging communication strategy as innovative entertainment in Munggu village, Mengwi sub-district, Badung district? This study uses three theories to dissect the formulation of the problem, namely: the theory of turgi drama, the theory of structural functionalism communication, and the theory of rhetoric. This research uses qualitative methods by collecting data through observation, interviews, and literature studies. This study aims to examine the communication strategy arja muani Akah Canging as innovative entertainment. Based on the results of the study, this study found the following results: 1) The process of staging arja muani Akah Canging with the preparation, staging, final staging stages. As well as a communication strategy in staging the arja muani Akah Canging in Munggu village, Mengwi sub-district, Badung district. 2) The function of staging arja muani Akah Canging is the primary function as a means of entertainment for the community in religious ceremony activities. The secondary function is as a binder of community solidarity, as a medium for delivering government programs. 3) the impact of staging arja muani Akah Canging on culture, social, economy, education through art, and degradation of conventional arja. (Keywords: Communication Strategy, Arja muani, Innovative Entertainment)

Strategy for increasing Public Speaking skills through the News Anchor method

Public speaking skills are a competitive value, which is useful, and they will become an important aspect for teenagers facing the competitive world of work in the future. The additional skills are communication skills, confidence, and learning skills that can be useful for developing soft skills using the news anchor method through the SMA Muhammadiyah 3 Yogyakarta literacy class. These skills are given to students in literacy classes. This activity aims to train public speaking skills and recognize one's potential by identifying rhetorical skills and confidence in appearing in public. This article aims to find strategies for improving public speaking skills through the news Anchor method with direct field studies from the author in the literacy class at SMA Muhammadiyah 3 Yogyakarta. This writing uses qualitative descriptive research methods based on Aristotle's Rhetorical Theory. The results of this research are that the application of this learning media provides benefits for students in developing communication skills, courage to speak, techniques for conveying news well, as well as providing experience as a news anchor as a whole, both in terms of attitudes, knowledge and complete skills. This learning is good for developing students at SMA Muhammadiyah 3 Yogyakarta and allowing them to face opportunities and challenges in a competitive era like today. Improving public speaking skills through the news anchor method, including the following aspects: body language, tone of voice, or aspects of vocal processing including articulation, intonation, tempo, pauses, visual cues, or using visual cues in this case through the visual medium of a camera supported by the aspect of will to achieve ability in terms of increasing public speaking capacity using the news anchor method, it is supported by the element of willingness to gain the ability to increase public speaking capacity using the news anchor method.