Published: April 14, 2025 | Last Updated: April 18, 2025
RHETORIC DEFINITION & MEANING
Rhetoric is the art of persuasive communication—spoken or written—designed to influence, inform, or motivate. It appeals to logic (logos), emotion (pathos), and credibility (ethos). Originally developed in ancient Greece, rhetoric is still used in politics, advertising, law, media, and everyday conversation to shape opinion and move people to act.
Where rhetoric comes from
Rhetoric dates back to ancient Greece, where it evolved as a civic skill during the rise of democracy. Philosophers like Aristotle and Plato debated their ethics and power. Aristotle broke it into three primary appeals: ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion).
At its core, rhetoric was about public speaking—used to argue in court, sway voters, or defend ideas in philosophical debate. It wasn’t just about style. It was about winning an audience.
The three types of rhetorical appeals
Ethos (credibility)
Ethos is how a speaker builds trust. It can come from experience, tone, or authority. If the audience believes the speaker is qualified or honest, they’re more likely to listen. For example, a doctor speaking on healthcare reform carries more weight than a random blogger.
Logos (logic)
Logos is the use of facts, data, and clear reasoning. Think of courtroom arguments or scientific debates—when ideas are structured and evidence-driven, they appeal to logic. Logos is effective because it gives people something concrete to hold onto.
Pathos (emotion)
Pathos appeals to feelings—fear, joy, anger, empathy. It’s the most powerful and the most volatile. When Martin Luther King Jr. repeats, “I have a dream,” he’s using pathos to create hope and urgency. When an ad shows a suffering child to raise donations, that’s pathos, too. I’ve covered how he also deliberately used anaphora to drive the point home.
How rhetoric is used today
Modern rhetoric appears everywhere—from TikTok videos to presidential debates. It’s the backbone of public relations, political campaigns, brand messaging, and activist speeches. When politicians say “We must act now,” they use pathos. When an expert says “Studies show…,” that’s logos. And when a speaker reminds us of their record, they lean on ethos.
Rhetoric doesn’t always mean manipulation. It’s a neutral tool. But when used carelessly or dishonestly, it can shape misinformation. That’s why understanding how it works matters.
Examples of great rhetorical speeches
Martin Luther King Jr. — “I Have a Dream”
King uses all three appeals: ethos, which refers to his moral authority as a minister; logos, which refers to the Constitution and justice; and pathos, which involves vivid imagery and emotional repetition. The result is a speech that still moves people decades later.
Susan B. Anthony — “On Women’s Right to Vote”
After being arrested for voting in 1872, Anthony made her case using logos and ethos. She quoted the Constitution and argued that denying women the vote violated their citizen rights. The speech became a landmark moment in suffrage history.
Why rhetoric still matters
Every debate, pitch, essay, ad, screenplay, or video script uses rhetoric—whether you realize it or not. The better you understand persuasion, the less likely you are to be manipulated. You’ll also write and speak more clearly.
Rhetoric sharpens thought. It forces you to consider who you’re speaking to, what they care about, and how best to reach them. In that sense, it’s less about arguing and more about understanding.
Summing up
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion through speech and writing. Whether you’re appealing to logic, emotion, or credibility, the goal is to connect, convince, and communicate with purpose. From ancient philosophers to modern movements, rhetoric shapes how ideas spread—and how history turns.
Read Next: Using Rhetorical Appeals in Your Script for Film and Advertising
