title: Rhetoric.
abstract: Persuasion is the art of giving others reasons to believe you. Classically, the three elements of rhetoric have been evidence or a strong case, connecting with and honoring the feelings of the audience, and character--the person and the message always come together as a package. Twenty types of common abuse and misuse of rhetoric are discussed. Rhetoric involves the ethical principle of allowing others to believe without forcing them to do so. It is essential to democratic societies.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D008128:Logic; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D013850:Thinking