Is rhetoric a science or an academic discipline?

It is important for every person to be able to communicate, since such a skill is a good assistant in many life situations. Almost all successes in school, work, and personal life are built on communication skills. If the information is presented by the speaker concisely and structured, then it will reach the listeners in the best possible way. The science that studies all the details of oratory is called rhetoric. It is thanks to her that you can make your speech clear and convincing. Rhetoric – what is it? Science or academic discipline?

What is teaching?

What does the word "rhetoric" mean? Translated from Greek, the word rhetoric looks like “rhetorike” and means “oratory.” Initially, this definition implied the ability to speak beautifully and express one’s thoughts in front of other people.

Over time, the concept of rhetoric changed several times, which was influenced by changing periods of people’s cultural development. Therefore, this science, from antiquity to the present time, was perceived differently.

It was founded by the sophists, who said that rhetoric is a discipline that can teach a speaker to prove his position, manipulate and dominate discussions. In modern times, the basis of such a science is harmonizing speech, the search for truth, and stimulation of thought.

Now the word rhetoric is understood as a discipline that allows you to study methods of forming speech, characterized by expediency, harmony, and the ability to influence. In this regard, the subject of rhetoric acts as a mental-speech action. Rhetoric combines the teachings of philosophy, sociology, and psychology, which helps to achieve effective verbal interaction with any public.

Thus, modern rhetoric is considered from three sides:

This is a science that examines the art of speech, which has specific standards for public speaking in front of people, allowing one to achieve a good result when influencing listeners.
This is the highest level of skill in delivering a speech in front of an audience, mastery of words at a professional level and excellent oratory.
An academic discipline that helps students instill the rules of public speaking.

Thus, general rhetoric studies the rules for constructing expedient and persuasive speech, which helps make the speech vivid and memorable.

What does science study?

The subject of rhetoric, as a science, includes methods of forming useful oral and written speech, as well as the process by which thoughts are transformed into speech.

In order to determine the tasks of rhetoric, it is necessary to know about its main directions. There are two of them:

Logical, in which the main aspects are the ability to convince the listener and effectively present information.
Literary, in which the most important elements are the richness and attractiveness of words.

Taking into account the fact that in this science these directions are combined, real rhetoric sets itself the task of making speech correct, convincing and expedient. Having defined what rhetoric is and why it is needed, there is no doubt about its necessity in the life of a person, especially those engaged in public activities.

How to prepare for a performance?

To properly compose a speech, you need to adhere to the rules. Each rule is a section of rhetoric:

Intention - directed to think in order to solve a problem.
Disposition - to correctly distribute thought.
Elocution is the linguistic design of prepared speech.
Memoria is a feature of memorizing oratorical speech.

Before the speech, formulate hypotheses (thoughts of the speech). The greater the amount of thought and knowledge, the more inspiration will come. If the topic was able to hook the speaker, then it will hook the listeners.

Work on your speech before your speech. Think, look for information and arguments. In a few days you can create a serious base based on ideas and facts.

The mood of the audience depends on the time and place of the performance. In everyday life, a person takes information seriously, but in a large audience the topic will seem boring. It is necessary to create an environment that will remove those present at the performance from routine and direct thoughts and actions in a useful direction.

Rhetoric in ancient times

The origin of rhetoric began in ancient Greece. Due to the fact that democracy was being formed in this state, the ability to persuade gained considerable popularity in society.

Every resident of the city had the opportunity to undergo training in oratory, which was taught by the sophists. These sages considered rhetoric to be the science of persuasion, which studies ways of verbally defeating an opponent. Because of this, the word “sophism” subsequently caused a negative reaction. After all, under them, rhetoric was considered as a trick, an invention, but earlier this science was considered the highest skill, skill.

In Ancient Greece, many works were created that revealed rhetoric. Who is the author of the classic Greek treatise on this science? This is the well-known thinker Aristotle. This work, called “Rhetoric,” distinguished oratory from all other sciences. It defined the principles on which speech should be based and indicated the methods used as evidence. Thanks to this treatise, Aristotle became the founder of rhetoric as a science.

In Ancient Rome, Marcus Tullius Cicero, who was involved in politics, philosophy and oratory, contributed to the development of rhetoric. He created a work called "Brutus or on the Famous Orators", describing the development of science in the names of popular speakers. He also wrote a work “On the Speaker,” in which he talked about what kind of speech behavior a worthy speaker should have. Then he created the book “Orator”, revealing the basics of eloquence.

Cicero considered rhetoric the most complex science, unlike others. He argued that in order to become a worthy speaker, a person must have deep knowledge in all areas of life. Otherwise, he simply will not be able to maintain a dialogue with another person.

Development of rhetoric in Russia

Rhetoric in Russia arose on the basis of Roman science. Unfortunately, it was not always in such demand. Over time, when political and social regimes changed, the need for it was perceived differently.

Development of Russian rhetoric in stages:

Ancient Rus' (XII–XVII centuries). During this period, the term “rhetoric” and educational books on it did not yet exist. But some of its rules were already applied. People at that time called the ethics of speech eloquence, piety or rhetoric. Teaching the art of the word was carried out on the basis of liturgical texts created by preachers. For example, one of these collections is “The Bee,” written in the 13th century.
First half of the 17th century. During this period, a characteristic event was that the first Russian textbook was published, revealing the basics of rhetoric.
The end of the 17th – the beginning and middle of the 18th century. At this stage, the book “Rhetoric”, written by Mikhail Usachev, was published. Many works were also created, such as “Old Believer Rhetoric”, works “Poetics”, “Ethics”, several lectures on the rhetorical art of Feofan Prokopovich.
XVIII century. At this time, the formation of rhetoric as a Russian science took place, to which Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov made a huge contribution. He wrote several works dedicated to it, of which the book “Rhetoric” became the basis for the development of this science.
Beginning and mid-19th century. This period is characterized by the fact that there was a rhetorical boom in the country. Famous authors published a large number of textbooks. These include the works of I.S. Rizhsky, N.F. Koshansky, A.F. Merzlyakova, A.I. Galich, K.P. Zelensky, M.M. Speransky.

However, starting from the second half of the century, this science begins to actively supplant literature. Soviet people studied stylistics, linguistics, speech culture, and criticized rhetoric.

Laws of word art

Rhetoric at any time had its ultimate goal - to influence listeners. A special role in achieving this is played by expressive speech, as well as visual and expressive means.

Scientists divide this science into two types - general and particular. The subject of general rhetoric includes general methods of behavior when pronouncing speech and the practical possibilities of their application in order to make speech effective.

This variety includes the following sections:

rhetorical canon;
speaking in front of an audience;
rules on how to argue;
conversation norms;
teachings about everyday communication;
communication between different nations.

By studying these sections, the speaker gains knowledge about the main features of speech use, which are the basis for every master of words.

General rhetoric studies ways to achieve mutual understanding between the speaker and the audience. For this purpose the following laws were developed:

The law of harmonizing dialogue. The speaker must awaken the feelings and thoughts of the listeners, turning the monologue into a dialogue. It is possible to build harmonious communication only through dialogue between all people participating in the discussion. The essence of this rule is more accurately revealed by the following laws.
The law of listener orientation and advancement. The person at whom the orator's influence is directed should have the feeling as if he, together with the speaker, is moving towards the intended goal. To achieve this effect, the speaker must use words in speech that determine the order of events, connect sentences and summarize expressions.
The law of emotional speech. A person speaking in front of an audience must himself experience the feelings that he is trying to evoke in the audience, and also be able to convey them through speech.
Law of pleasure. It implies the ability to present speech in such a way that it brings pleasure to listeners. This effect is easy to achieve if the speech is expressive and rich.

A particular type of rhetoric is based on a general type and involves the specific use of general provisions in certain areas of life. Thus, science studies what rules of speech pronunciation and behavior a speaker needs to apply depending on the situation.

There are a lot of private rhetorics, but they all fall into two main groups:

Homiletics.
Oratory.

The first group implies the speaker’s ability to repeatedly influence the audience. This includes church and academic types of eloquence. In modern rhetoric, this group includes propaganda that is carried out in the media.

Thus, with academic eloquence, a speaker, giving several lectures, should not speak anew each time about the purposes of their conduct, their necessity, and so on. It is enough for him to talk about this in the first lecture, and in all the rest the general task will be expanded through the study of a new topic.

Oratory is not capable of influencing people many times over. In this regard, the speaker must be able to correctly conclude each speech. This group includes judicial, everyday, socio-political and other types of eloquence.

Currently, oratory has grown quite widely, so a specific type of rhetoric has already begun to be divided into its own subspecies. For example, administrative, diplomatic, parliamentary and other rhetoric were distinguished from socio-political eloquence.

Afterword

There is a science in the world that has a proud name - rhetoric. It’s a pity, of course, but there are people who don’t know about its existence or its significance. So it is rhetoric that deals with issues of correct and beautiful speech, in the simplest language. It is rhetoric that sorts out mistakes in communication. In our opinion, it would not hurt to introduce it as a compulsory subject in schools. It’s just that, looking at today’s younger generation, it’s clear that many could definitely use it.

And in conclusion, returning to the question of the relevance of Aristotle’s statement, we can say that it is more than relevant. After all, if you think about it, being well prepared, having a decent vocabulary, being able to collect your thoughts into a single whole and convey them to the audience, taking into account the characteristics of the audience, is very hard work. But feasible. After all, as Cicero said:

“Eloquence is something that is more difficult than it seems, and is born from a lot of knowledge and effort.”

It was no coincidence that he put effort after knowledge. Only by understanding well why this or that knowledge is needed will a person try to master it.

Well, even if not all of us master the art of eloquence, we can and should speak beautifully, correctly, politely and clearly. This is precisely why Aristotle’s statement is still relevant today. People are gradually forgetting how to speak the way they were supposed to, and no matter how sad it may be, the fact remains a fact. But it’s in our power to fix everything. At least on a personal level. Is not it?

In the following articles on rhetoric, we will provide both instructive stories and techniques for improving your public speaking skills.

How to behave confidently during business conversations and public speaking? How to convince your interlocutor that you are right? How to manipulate the behavior of your opponents? How to turn a negative dialogue into a positive direction? These and other questions are answered by black rhetoric - a kaleidoscope of communication strategies and techniques. Black rhetoric is inexhaustible and does not recognize borders. The desire not to lose sight of the set goal is the main force that drives skilled masters of words. Learn to break the rules, do not be afraid to use your own feelings and the emotions of your interlocutors, use the power of persuasion and suggestion, train yourself in the ability to argue - and you will certainly achieve success!

Varieties of speaker speech

There are several types of oratory, depending on who needs to be convinced, where the speech takes place, and what purpose it pursues. These include the following eloquences:

Social and political. This is when they read reports touching on social, political and economic topics, speak at rallies, and conduct campaigning.
Academic. This includes reading lectures, scientific reports or communications.
Judicial. This type of eloquence is used by the prosecutor and defense attorney when speaking in court. With their speech they must convince of the guilt or innocence of the accused person.
Social and everyday life. It is used by all people when making speeches at anniversaries, feasts or funerals. This also includes small talk, which does not require disputes or discussions, but is characterized by ease and simplicity of perception.
Bogoslovskoe. This eloquence is used in churches, for example, when believers give a sermon or other speech in a cathedral.
Diplomatic. This type involves compliance with ethical standards in business speech. This is necessary during business negotiations, correspondence, when drawing up official documents, as well as during translation.
Military. This type of eloquence is used when calling for battle, issuing orders, regulations, and transmitting information via radio communications.
Pedagogical. This includes presentations by teachers and students, both oral and written. This also includes giving lectures, which is considered a complex act of pedagogical communication.
Internal, or imaginary. This is the name of the dialogue that every person conducts with himself. This type involves mental preparation for oral presentation to the public, as well as for written transmission of information, when a person reads what is written to himself, remembers something, reflects on something, and so on.

Based on the above, we can conclude what rhetoric is and why society needs it. Rhetoric as the science of oratory involves the study of the correct pronunciation of speech in front of an audience in order to somehow influence the people listening to it. With its help, speakers acquire skills that allow them to make their speech correct, appropriate, and most importantly, convincing.

Types of eloquence

There are five main types of eloquence:

Socio-political type - diplomatic, socio-political, political-economic, parliamentary, rally and agitation speeches.
Academic view - scientific lectures, communications, abstracts, seminars and reports.
Judicial view - speeches of the actors in trials: lawyers, prosecutors, judges.
Theological eloquence or spiritual appearance - parting words, sermons, solemn speeches of a church orientation.
Social and everyday types of eloquence - table, anniversary, holiday or memorial speeches.