Rhetoric and Persuasion

When I initially heard the argument presented in class that all language is persuasion I was turned off to the idea. But through further thought I tend to agree with the notion. The main reason I was turned off to the idea is the abundance of negative connotation associated with the word ‘persuasion.’ When I hear the word ‘persuasion’ I think of pushy salesmen, crooked politicians, etc. But persuasion can be much more subtle. Speaking with the “proper” dialog persuades peers to look at the speaker as an educated individual. Speaking with slang can persuade (or fail to persuade: e.g. parents) someone to think of the speaker as hip. Simple statements like “I’m going to get the mail” can persuade someone to stick around for the short time you are gone or leave a note when they leave. These subtleties make the idea that all language is persuasion a little easier to swallow. Our use of the term ‘negotiation’ as an interchangeable word for ‘persuasion’ also makes this idea more plausible.
Now whether all language is persuasion or not, I think the idea, “Rhetoric is power,” is a useful place to begin a class on composition. We solve problems largely through communication. Understanding the power of language can motivate someone to better their communication skills. In order to get what you want, or get out of trouble, or advance through life, or build strong relationships, you need to be able to communicate. I enjoyed the very simple demonstration in class that showed the shift of power from physical attributes to intellectual argumentation. By illustrating this shift and importance, you are setting up a base desire to grow based on necessity.