Analyzes the keynote address to the 1976 Democratic Convention. Attributes its success to the skillful handling of the following dual and conflicting purposes: pleasing two unlike audiences; fulfilling the role expectations imposed on keynoters while avoiding triteness; and affirming Blackness and womanliness while avoiding stereotypes. (PD)

States that John F. Kennedy, in his 1960 speech to Houston ministers, convinced many voters that, as a Catholic president, he would act independently of the Catholic Church in matters such as federal aid to schools, human reproduction, and religious tolerance. Analyzes arguments he used to distance himself from the Vatican and align himself with…

Examines the "ethos" (the perceived trustworthiness of authors by readers) gained for Charles Darwin by means of the interpersonal metadiscourse he used in two chapters of the "Origin of Species." Concludes that Darwin used metadiscourse to create an "ethos" for his readers that informs, impresses, and wins them over…

Responds to Charles Willard's critique (in a previous article in this issue) of the author's critical study of argument spheres. Argues that critical analysis is essential for generating a social theory of argumentation. Emphasizes the independence and integrity of the spheres project in arguing against Willard's various substitutions and…

Argues that the future tense underlies both literary criticism and the discipline of rhetoric as conceived by Aristotle and that Aristotle gives the argumentative arts a middle ground which makes them distinct and yet weds them inextricably with those claiming greater or lesser degrees of generality. (RAE)

Argues that rhetorical criticism has approached the new persuasions and propaganda of 20th century America only with great difficulty, and that a greater understanding of the relationships between the new managerial rhetoric and the old criticism will resolve discrepant critical perspectives on modern social influence. (JAD)

Describes how one professor uses a classroom trial (based on Hemingway's short story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber") to prepare students for writing analytical essays about the story by teaching them to interrogate the text and by helping to cure the weaknesses of text-reticence and dubious deduction. (SR)

States several postmodernist currents of thought have rejected the modernist faith in a stable, autonomous self (and the natural culture it inhabits) as a pernicious fiction. Argues for a dialectical view of self and culture, exploring the weaknesses of both modernist and postmodernist models through an analysis of "Dances with Wolves,"…

Attempts to define critiques by evaluating working taxonomies and examining the basis for critiques in argumentation theory and practice. Establishes a case for "kritiks" (vs. critiques). Reviews major criticisms of theory and practice strategies for debating them. Concludes that this argument genre should not be rejected prematurely.…

Objective: To select a charitable organization to receive the class monetary donation. Type of speech: Persuasive. Point value: 100 points, which is 20% of course grade. Requirements: (a) References: 5; (b) Length: 5-7 minutes; (c) Visual aid: Yes; (d) Outline: Yes; (e) Prerequisite reading: Chapter 15 (Lucas, 2001), Chapter 7 (McKerrow, Gronbeck,…

Criticisms of library and information science (LIS) research abound and most focus on method, in the broad sense. This article examines the discourse on LIS from the standpoint of rhetoric and argument. Rhetorical and argumentative strategies are used in almost all formal communication, and these strategies themselves communicate purpose and point…

The purpose of this paper is to create a guide for beginning coaches of the "communication analysis" event in forensics and to attempt to arouse interest in the activity. According to the paper, the American Forensic Association defines communication analysis as an original speech designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a…

This paper examines the rhetorical factors behind the success of Ernest Angley, non-denominational televangelist in Akron, Ohio. After describing the historical background of Angley and Grace Cathedral, the paper identifies some of the dominant beliefs that Angley espouses in his preaching. The paper then explains how these themes work in…

Despite literally tens of thousands of rounds of debate competition over a number of years, little insight into argumentation theory has resulted. Debate as practiced by college debating teams has become a laboratory for perfecting itself. Permitting the divergence of debate from argumentation forfeits an ideal opportunity to study argumentation.…

In his analysis of Cicero's "Philippics," Cecil Wooten (1983) describes the strategy the Roman advocate used in a rhetorical situation of national crisis as a contest of black and white, the struggle of good against evil; at stake is the very existence of the civilization that he is defending. Choices offered in crisis situations can be…