Rhetoric of Persuasion in Political Speech

Paper Summary:

A discussion of whether political speech today is rhetorical. The paper analyses the meaning of rhetorical speech and how this is applied to political speech. The argument for and against the use of rhetorical speech in the political arena is discussed and its affects analyzed. The ideas of Beard are discussed and applied to present day politics.

From the Paper:

"Many individuals view rhetoric as a means of manipulation, not persuasion. When rhetoric is applied to political speech, therefore, it may be concluded that the politician is attempting to sway the public's opinion in a manner that is unjust and false. While rhetoric focuses on the appealing to emotion, religious values, and the structure and cultural value of the community, it can also be argued that rhetoric serves the public by inspiring them to alter the way in which society functions, and the paths that are elected for the future (Garsten 10). Beard discusses that rhetoric has three main parts in a political speech, repetition, contrast pairs and pronouns. These elements are evident in each political speech of substance that has affected the lives of its listeners profoundly. Arnold Schwarzenegger, having immigrated to the United States, participating in famous bodybuilding and movie careers, became.."

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