Rhetoric

Rhetoric is the art of convincing and persuading people by language through public speaking or writing.^[1][2] The root of the word is from Greek ῥητορικὴ [τέχνη] roughly meaning 'the art of speech'.

Webster’s dictionary defines it as “the art or science of using words effectively in speaking or writing, especially the art or science of literary composition.” The word “effectively” in this definition is a relative matter. What is effective in one context may be entirely different in another cultural setting. Different languages differ in their rhetorical styles – that is, in the way that they use language to accomplish various purposes. People can be trained in this skill. It is the art or the technique of persuasion, used by orators (public speakers), writers and media.

1. ↑ "Rhetoric - Examples and Definition of Rhetoric". Literary Devices. 10 July 2013.
2. ↑ "Literary Terms and Definitions R". web.cn.edu.