blog#1

a) Foss first defines rhetoric.  In defining rhetoric, she defines it in three different ways with different explanations for each.  Foss states that the term rhetoric is commonly used to mean empty, bombastic language that has no substance.  “… rhetoric is defined as the human use of symbols to communicate” (Foss, 4).  The definition given contains three primary dimensions that consist of humans as the creators of rhetoric, symbols as the medium for rhetoric, and communication as the purpose of rhetoric.  Another primary concept in addition to rhetoric is that it involves symbols rather than signs.  Symbols must be something that represents something by association or a relationship.  Foss uses the example of smoke being a sign that fire is present.  This explains that there shows a relationship between the fire and the smoke.  A third definition to this term is that the purpose is communication.  Foss says “in some cases, we use rhetoric in an effort to persuade others---to encourage others to change in some way. (6)” Self knowledge and discovery can be obtained from rhetoric.  I feel that rhetoric has many definitions.  I most understand rhetoric when it is being used as persuading someone.  Recently I had to pick out colleges to apply to and I went to many open houses where they use a dialect of language that is pleasing to hear and supposed to persuade you to have interest in their university.  I think this could be an experience along with the current renovation of my room.  I have been to a furniture store where their speech has to be effective in order to make a sale.  I ended up getting two beds when only planning on leaving with one purchase or nothing. 

b) 

rhetoric: 

1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively 

2. using language effectively to please or persuade

definition sources:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhetoric

http://www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/rhetoric