Describes how letter writing, especially business letters, was influenced by Greek and Roman oral rhetoricians. Discusses three precepts of oral rhetoric--inventio, dispositio, and style--and notes that the classical theories' reflection in written communication can be seen in selected Italian, German, and English epistolographic works. (MM)

Reproduces portions of the first lecture given to the Philosophical Society of Aberdeen, Scotland--George Campbell's discussion of eloquence of 1758. Explains the importance of this document, asserting that it reveals the "belletristic" roots of Campbell's theory, and proves that his differentiation on the "ends" of speaking…

Examines the history of the commonplace book and diary as used in teaching and relates this history to the advent of the pedagogical journal. Shows that certain teaching strategies can make the journal a valuable means of exploring the mix of public and private impulses found in all writing. (MG)

Discusses how speeches delivered at a 1960 dinner by then presidential candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon changed the face of political campaign rhetoric. Argues that both men used comic strategies to create a more inclusive American covenant, and emphasizes the importance of examining pragmatic and cultural implications of presidential…

Performs a Burkean analysis of Russell H. Conwell's once famous speech, "Acres of Diamonds." Reveals that Conwell's success relied upon a masterful transformation of pentadic ratios, in the medium of the "true-life" success story. Illustrates this narrative's power in altering an audience's perception of its role in a greater…

Examines the "rhetoric of succession" as employed by four recent American presidents: Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford, and George Bush. Breaks down their rhetorical strategies while in office into three phases: (1) the early transition (when continuity with previous president is important); (2) middle transition (when new…

Joseph Priestley, in his "A Course of Lectures on Oratory and Criticism," developed a psychological theory of style. The "Course" covers three main topics: traditional rhetorical arts of invention, arrangement, and style. Borrowing from the ideas of David Hartley, the association psychologist; Joseph Addison, the aesthetician;…

Analyzes the quasi-logical argumentative framework of George Bush's address in which he endeavored to gain compliance and justify his actions at the beginning of the Persian Gulf War. Identifies arguments of comparison and sacrifice within that framework and examines the role of justice in the speech. (TB)

This paper discusses the rhetoric of American educators to show that rhetorical analyses can be used to highlight assumed concepts and values within educators' discourses, policies, and practices, and to suggest that greater awareness of their rhetoric can help educators make their communications congruent with their purposes. The paper describes…

The latter part of the twentieth century has brought explicit emotional appeals; some by advertisers for commercial goods and others from political and religious leaders. The religious appeals to feelings can be traced back in history to the revivals in the mid-eighteenth century where the "Great Awakening" opened up religious…

Examines the symbolic content of eulogies delivered by Southern clergymen following the 1870 death of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Explores the clergy's discussions of Lee's immortality and the redemptive power of audience unity which were foundations for later mythic discourse on the general's life. (SG)

Offers a brief history of the teaching of expository discourse. Defines explanatory speaking, identifying its relation to informative speech. Presents a pedagogy for explanatory speaking, built on the classical rhetorical tradition and contemporary research. Describes implications for teacher training, student study skills, and assessment of…

Describes the success of the Populist movement in the 1890s, arguing that it provides a case study of the power and limitations of mythic appeals to transcend diverse political ideologies. Argues that Populist extensions of the agrarian myth to encompass industrial laborers, suffragists, and prohibitionists were motivated by political expediency.…

A critique predicated primarily on aesthetic considerations can show the potential a speech has to move an audience, but gauging a speech's actual effects on the audience is more difficult. A case in point is the United States Congressional investigation of the Iran-Contra scandal. Government officials and businessmen sold arms to Iran in exchange…

The use of figurative language permeates American Indian discourse, across differences in time, geography, and tribal culture. Traditionally, the presence of figurative language has been attributed to a compulsion for decoration and to a need for mnemonic devices. However, neither of these explanations accounts for changes in the rich tapestry of…