Definition & Meaning of "rhetoric"

Rhetoric is a vital skill in public speaking, as it enables speakers to craft persuasive messages that resonate with their audience and achieve their communication goals.

In classical Greece, rhetoric was considered one of the essential arts of persuasion, with orators honing their skills to sway crowds and influence decision-making.

The study of rhetoric encompasses various techniques, such as ethos ( appeal to ethics ), pathos ( appeal to emotion ), and logos ( appeal to logic ), which speakers can employ to enhance their persuasive power.