An analysis of the content and a critique of the significance of President Jimmy Carter's 1977 commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame, show that technical weaknesses such as poor organization, inconsistent style, and overbreadth limited its intended effect. Carter had hoped that this speech would dispel confusion over some of his…

In a televised performance which far surpassed that of any other witness in the Iran-Contra hearings of 1987, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North came to the attention of Americans as a "national hero." To illustrate how North was able to portray himself as the hero/victim and to explore the ways in which he was able to transform the context…

In 1978, the historic Camp David Peace Accords between Egypt and Israel were signed in a ceremony broadcast from the White House. The ceremony may be seen as a member of a rhetorical genre informally called the Presidential Parasocial Broadcast Announcement, but with a new twist. The genre has its roots in the Fireside Chats of Franklin D.…

The two chief approaches to teaching argumentation and invention over the centuries have been first presenting a formal, abstract system, such as logic or topic, then emphasizing audience analysis. Sometimes these have been seen as alternatives, and sometimes as complements. Cursory attention is often paid to the ideal of investigating audience…

The Rogerian argument, as described by Young, Baker, and Pike in "Rhetoric: Discovery and Change," misrepresents Carl Rogers's own principles. Addressing the need for improved interpersonal communication both within and outside of therapy, Rogers describes three conditions for "listening with understanding": congruence, or…

The rhetoric of black writers and speakers asserts that (1) attitudes and practices toward black language are politically based to keep blacks subordinate to the dominant culture, and (2) African American scholars have a right to determine the meaning and implications of black language. Black rhetors contend that even those blacks who speak…

This monograph examines the way in which ideas emerged and grew in the rhetorical process of creating an American people, and the ways in which the ideas were transformed into fundamental symbols that have exerted their influence throughout United States history. The first chapter analyzes certain discourses of the American Revolution to show the…

The key element in negotiation is power. This case study shows how one conservative group (ONE, the Organization of the Northeast, a Chicago community group) used "radical rhetoric" to achieve functional power in negotiations for community improvements. "Radical rhetoric" employs the tactics and the strategies used by…

During the late nineteenth century, political rhetoric in some regions of the United States was affected by the philosophy of "populism," based on the belief that government exists to serve all the people, not just special interests. The Populist Party thrived in isolated rural areas, particularly the Dakota territories, at a time when…

This paper presents a review of the current literature on the new rhetoric. It traces the noticeable resurgence of interest in rhetoric among teachers of English and composition since the College Composition and Communication Conference in Los Angeles in the spring of 1963, citing the contributions of Martin J. Steinmann, Kenneth Burke, Francis…

Rhetorical critics generally base their comments on the assumption that a communicator has all the reasons, persuasive devices, and approaches available in the rhetorical situation, and that he can make choices of what should be utilized. The lawyer-persuader, however, does not have unlimited choice since he is bound by legal rules and…

In this study of the organizational patterns of 46 United States presidential inaugural addresses there were four research questions, relating to the overall pattern of the speeches and the internal structure of ideas and topics. Key findings indicate that: (1) 25 of the 46 speeches have three easily discernible parts--introduction, body,…

The teacher should create an environment in the classroom that encourages students to engage in meaningful dialogue that will aid them in clarifying and developing their own moral reasoning while absorbing and weighing the ethical judgments of others. (JD)

Analyzes the American Indian Movement (AIM) with respect to (1) the role of tradition in AIM demands; (2) militant Indian rhetoric as a form of ritual self-address; (3) how Indian religious/cultural beliefs restrict the ability of language to persuade Whites; and (4) how militant Indian rhetoric fulfills its function. (PD)

Examines the use of narrative form to construct myths of self in autobiographies of religious conversion. Identifies two strategies of form relevant to personal mythmaking in conversion narratives and illustrates their operation in Charles W. Colson's autobiography, "Born Again." Concludes that the rhetoric of form in conversion…