An Introduction to Rhetorical Communication

by McCroskey, James C.

• ISBN13: 9780134745787
• ISBN10: 0134745787
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1993-01-01
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Summary

An Introduction to Rhetorical Communication offers a true integration of rhetorical theory and social science approaches to public communication. This highly successful book guides readers through message planning and presentation in an easy step-by-step process. An Introduction to Rhetorical Communication provides a solid grounding in the rhetorical tradition and the basis for developing effective messages. For anyone interested in Public Speaking, Persuasion, or Introductory Rhetorical Theory.

Table of Contents

Preface

Getting Started

A Rhetorical Tradition

Earliest Writings

The Greek Period

The Roman Period

Third Century A.D to the Renaissance

The Renaissance

The Colonial Period

The Twentieth Century

History in Perspective

The Nature of Rhetorical Communication

The Meaning of Rhetorical Communication

Models of the Communication Process

Interpersonal Communication Model

Some Important Distinctions

Misconceptions about Communication

The Goals of Rhetorical Communication

Listening

Stage Fright: A NormalProblem

A Normal Problem

Communication Apprehension

Causes of Stage Fright

Effects of Stage Fright

Controlling Stage Fright

A Final Word

Basic Theory

The Nature of the Receiver: Attitude Formation and Change

The Nature of Attitudes

Attitudes and Beliefs

Attitude Formation

The Persistence of Attitudes

Attitude Consistency and Attitude Change

Message Discrepancy and Attitude Change

Retention of Attitude Change

Rhetorical Thought

Ethos: A Dominant Factor in Rhetorical Communication

Ethos Defined

The Dimensions of Ethos

The Effect of Initial Ethos

Initial Ethos and Learning

Derived Ethos

Terminal Ethos

Long-Term Effect of Ethos

Power and Ethos

The Nature of Persuasive Argument

A Psychological Model of Argument

The Types of Claims

The Types of Warrants

Verification of Warrants

The Types of Data

Options Regarding Reservations

Nonverbal Communication

The Importance of Nonverbal Messages

Proxemics

Chronemics

Oculesics

Haptics

Kinesics

Objectics

Vocalics

Diversity and Culture

Cultural Sensitivity

Culture

On Becoming Enculturated

Culture as Communication Context

Xenophobia and Ethnocentrism

The Ethnocentrism Continuum

Improving Rhetorical Communication Across Cultures

Message Preparation and Presentation

Message Preparation: Preliminary Considerations

Selection of a Topic

Selection of a Purpose

General Audience Analysis

Channels and Forms for Presentation of Messages

Perception of the Possible

Informative Messages

Persuasive versus Informative Intent

Pseudo-Informative Messages

The Goodwill Informative Message

The Motivation to Inform

Understanding and Belief

Understanding: Determining the Informative Goal

Characteristics of Informative Messages

The Materials for Informative Messages

Visual Aids for Informative Communication

Message Preparation: Invention

Invention Defined

The Basic Plan

The Generation of Argument

Determination of Needed Arguments

Audience Analysis

Inoculation and Reservations

Topoi and the Generation of Argument

The Aristotelian Topoi of Good and Evil

Topoi of Policy Argument: Stock Issues

The Town Public Policy Topoi

The Topoi of Fear and Pleasure

The Topoi of American Values

Using Topoi in Invention

Securing Data for Argument

Tests of Evidence

How to Obtain Evidence

Recording Evidence

Message Preparation: Disposition

Selecting

Apportioning

Arranging

Invention and Disposition: The Siamese Twins

Research on Arrangement

Outlining the Message <

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