Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking from edX

We are living in a contentious time in history. Fundamental disagreements on critical policy, economic, and political issues make it essential to learn how to compose an effectiveargument and to analyze the arguments of others. This ability will help you engage in civil discourse and make needed changes in society. Conveying a convincing message can benefit your personal, public, and professional lives.

This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of rhetoric, the art of persuasive writing and speech. In it, you will learn to construct and defend compelling arguments, a crucial skill in many settings. We will be using selected speeches from prominent twentieth-century Americans -- including Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Margaret Chase Smith, Ronald Reagan, and more -- to explore and analyze rhetorical structure and style. Through this analysis, you will learn how speakers and writers persuade an audience to adopt their point of view.

Built around Harvard Professor James Engell's on-campus course, "Elements of Rhetoric," this course will help you analyze and apply rhetorical structure and style, appreciate the relevance of persuasive communication in your own life, and understand how to persuade and recognize when someone is trying to persuade you. You will be inspired to share your viewpoint and discover the most powerful ways to convince others to champion your cause. Join us to find your voice!

What's inside

Learning objectives

When and how to employ a variety of rhetorical devices in writing and speaking
How to differentiate between argument and rhetorical technique
How to write a persuasive opinion editorial and short speech

How to evaluate the strength of an argument
How to identify logical fallacies in arguments

When and how to employ a variety of rhetorical devices in writing and speaking
How to differentiate between argument and rhetorical technique
How to write a persuasive opinion editorial and short speech
How to evaluate the strength of an argument
How to identify logical fallacies in arguments

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses historical context to explain the significance of rhetoric

Taught by James Engell, a Harvard professor recognized for his work in rhetoric

Emphasizes both writing and speaking, providing well-rounded communication skills

Useful for students interested in public speaking, writing, and persuasive communication

Provides opportunities to analyze speeches from prominent figures, enriching understanding of rhetorical techniques

Helps learners develop critical thinking skills by evaluating the strength of arguments

Reviews summary

Mastering persuasive writing and public speaking

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in rhetoric, covering both theory and practice. Many found the lectures by Professor Engell to be clear and engaging, making complex ideas accessible. The analysis of historical speeches was highlighted as a particularly insightful aspect that helped illustrate key concepts. Students appreciated the practical assignments, such as writing an op-ed and a speech, finding them valuable for applying what they learned and building real-world communication skills. While the course material is seen as challenging and requires significant effort, learners generally found the experience rewarding and felt they significantly improved their persuasive writing and public speaking abilities.

Challenging but rewarding workload.

"This course demands thoughtful engagement with the material."

"Not an easy course, requires dedication to grasp fully."

"Some assignments took more time than expected."

Provides a solid base in rhetoric principles.

"Gives a strong theoretical background in rhetoric."

"Covers essential concepts needed to analyze arguments."

"Feel like I have a much better understanding of persuasive techniques."

Analysis of famous speeches is insightful.

"Analyzing speeches by MLK and others made theory concrete."

"The historical context added significant value."

"Gained a new appreciation for classic rhetoric through examples."

Assignments build real-world skills.

"Writing the op-ed and speech was great practice."

"Learned practical strategies I can use in my work."

"Assignments helped solidify the concepts taught."

Clear, insightful lectures by Professor Engell.

"Professor Engell is a fantastic lecturer, very clear and engaging."

"His insights into rhetoric are truly valuable."

"Found the lectures easy to follow and well-structured."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking with these activities:

Read 'Elements of Rhetoric'

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Supplement your course materials by reading a foundational work on rhetoric.

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Read through the book at your own pace.
Take notes on key concepts and principles.
Reflect on how the book's insights can enhance your understanding of rhetoric.

Explore 'Introduction to Rhetoric' tutorial

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Solidify your understanding of the basic principles of rhetoric and persuasive communication.

Browse courses on Rhetoric

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Watch the introductory video on the basics of rhetoric.
Read through the accompanying article on the key elements of rhetoric.
Complete the online quiz to test your comprehension.

Lead a study group

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Enhance your understanding of rhetoric by teaching and sharing your knowledge with others.

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Offer to lead a study group for your peers.
Prepare materials and discussion questions to guide the group.
Facilitate discussions and encourage active participation.

Three other activities

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Analyze persuasive speeches

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Develop your critical thinking and analytical skills by examining classic persuasive speeches.

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Select a well-known persuasive speech.
Meet with a study group to discuss the speech's structure, style, and persuasive techniques.
Present your analysis to the group.

Compose a persuasive opinion piece

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Practice applying your knowledge of rhetoric by writing your own persuasive opinion piece.

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Choose a topic that you feel strongly about.
Research and gather evidence to support your opinion.
Write a persuasive essay using rhetorical techniques.

Record a podcast on a controversial issue

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Apply your understanding of rhetoric to create a compelling podcast that engages in a controversial debate.

Browse courses on Podcasting

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Choose a controversial issue that you are passionate about.
Research and gather evidence to support your perspective.
Write a script for your podcast that uses rhetorical techniques.
Record and edit your podcast.

Career center

Learners who complete Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for public figures such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. They need to be able to write persuasively in order to capture the audience's attention and deliver the speaker's message effectively. This course may be useful for Speechwriters wanting to learn how to write persuasive short speeches.

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Public Speaker

Public Speakers give speeches to inform, educate, or entertain audiences. They often need to persuade their audiences to adopt their point of view, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive speaking.

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Politician

Politicians run for office and hold elected positions in government. They often need to persuade voters to support their policies and elect them to office, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive speaking.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters, including civil, criminal, and corporate law. The ability to persuade and convince is very important in this role, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive writing and speaking.

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Political Consultant

Political Consultants advise and assist political candidates and parties in developing and implementing campaign strategies. They often need to persuade voters to support their candidates, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive speaking.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They often need to persuade policymakers to adopt their recommendations, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive writing and speaking.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations and other entities. They often need to persuade grantmakers to support their projects, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive writing.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to improve the lives of people in their communities. They often need to persuade people to join their cause and support their initiatives, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive writing and speaking.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. This often involves writing persuasive press releases and speeches. This course may be useful for Public Relations Specialists wanting to learn how to write persuasive opinion editorials.

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Advertising Account Executive

Advertising Account Executives sell advertising space in various media such as print, broadcast, and online platforms. They often need to persuade clients to purchase advertising space, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive speaking.

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Journalist

A Journalist informs the public about current events and issues through various media such as print, broadcast, and online platforms. Writing persuasively is very important since they need to captivate their audience. This course may be useful for a Journalist wanting to learn how to employ various rhetorical devices in writing.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue goals. They often need to persuade customers to purchase their products or services, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive speaking.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They often need to persuade consumers to purchase their products or services, and this course can help build a foundation in persuasive writing and speaking.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. While technical writing is typically not persuasive in the traditional sense, an ability to write persuasively may help one to present complex information in a clear and concise way. This course may be useful for a Technical Writer wanting to learn how to employ various rhetorical devices in writing.

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Teacher

Teachers educate and instruct students at all levels. While teachers generally work under a pre-defined curriculum, they will need to be able to persuade their students of the value of what they're teaching. This course can help build a foundation in persuasive writing and speaking, allowing one to be a better, more effective teacher.

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