Kenneth Burke

A very cold, lifeless, yet technical definition, as well as one that reveals great insight into what we have learned thus far in Modern Rhetoric, Burke defines rhetoric as, "the use of words by human agents to form attitudes or to induce actions in other human agents." I could probably honestly talk about this one quote for hours, pages, etc. but for the sake of my sanity and yours, I'll limit it. Combining Burke's quote with what we've talked about thus far, think about the word "induce."

To "induce" is the essence of rhetoric. When we make a speech or do a presentation in class, we do it to induce action. "Movement" is a term we've used before in relation to rhetoric. Therefore, if we use rhetoric to induce or move, then rhetoric must be a tool that we use to get the action we desire. And, humor while I be the most annoying person in the world, but what do we have in our nifty little "rhetoric" toolkit? We have logos, ethos, pathos, kairos, telos, epideictic, forensic, deliberative, and all other different aspects or tools of rhetoric. For example, the base of rhetoric is a screwdriver and we can change the tip multiple times for different needs. PERFECT! Sometimes, you want to praise. Whip out the epideictic tip, drill away. Sometimes, you want to twist those heart strings, so you pull out the pathos tip. Whatever you're dealing with, rhetoric gives you something to work with.

Thus, this is clearly in line with Burke because his focus is centered on PERSUASION. How does Burke persuade? Using the same traditional tools of rhetoric, Burke adds some of his own. One key: IDENTIFICATION. If you can't identify with someone, well then, you're not getting very far. Key thing we talked about with George W. Bush early on: the W sometimes mispronounces words, does this and that, just to identify with the common man, that whole "good ole boy" syndrome thing.

Also, Burke discusses using self as an audience. Which I think is unique and eye-opening because many many ministers do this. They include themselves as an audience to what they are preaching. Countless times have I heard: "I'm not preaching to just ya'll, I'm preaching to me too." Same deal with a lot of speakers, they include themselves in the audience, which is borderline IDENTIFICATION, but whatever.

So thats Part One of Burke, I'm sure you'll be excited for Part TWO. Look out, its coming in combination with some evaluations of others' opinions of Burkey Boy.