Describe the three functions of rhetoric in our society. Provide examples from the recent news that illustrate these functions

Answer:

Rhetorical communication serves at least three important social functions. First, as you may have surmised, rhetoric is essential to a vital democracy. For people to make informed decisions (and vote) about a range of issues, they must consume rhetorical messages critically and then advocate with care. By advocating for one's perspective and engaging with the perspectives of others, people can make decisions together regarding the common good. Hence, rhetoric can strengthen democratic society, and speeches or other types of communication to the public can serve important political and social functions. Second, rhetoric helps people seek justice. Probably one of the most obvious sites of this rhetorical function is the courtroom. Not only lawyers but also jurors need rhetorical skills; they need to listen carefully and critically not only to what is said, but also how it is said, and they must be able to persuade other jurors of the proper verdict. Speakers also use rhetoric to persuade others to pursue social justice, for example, to support a moratorium on the death penalty or treat animals more ethically. Third, rhetoric helps people clarify their own beliefs and actions. For example, after the attacks of September 11, 2001, many people, like our student in It Happened to Me: Denise, were not sure what to believe about why the United States was attacked or how they should respond or behave. Therefore, they turned to experts and national leaders, such as the president, to gather information that could help them clarify their beliefs and understanding.