Introduction to Rhetorical Theory

Speech Communication

by Gerard A. Hauser

In this highly accessible new edition, Hauser systematically provides a humanistic account of what transpires when people communicate for some purpose. His masterful blend of classical and contemporary thinking about the use of language and the value of symbolic inducements for social cooperation illuminates fundamental rhetorical precepts and their implications for shaping human realities. The new chapter on publics theory complements the four chapters that introduce the broad themes and issues essential for a rhetorical approach to communication. The new chapter on narrative theory bridges the four chapters devoted to the content of rhetoric and the concluding chapters that emphasize symbolic processes by which humans induce social cooperation and constitute social reality. Throughout the text, Hauser skillfully underscores the power of language to present a particular reality. He explores the fundamental relationship between public discourse and judgment, helping students understand the core of rhetoric's civic function. Through relevant, current examples, he illustrates how knowledge and power shape our social and political practices and how both are formed through discourse. Titles of related interest also available from Waveland Foss, Rhetorical Exploration and Practice, Fourth Edition (ISBN 9781577665861); Foss et al., Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric, 30th Anniversary Edition (ISBN 9781478615248); Foss et al., Readings in Contemporary Rhetoric (ISBN 9781577662068); Sillars-Gronbeck, Communication Rhetoric, Social Codes, Cultural Studies (ISBN 9781577661719); and Smith, Rhetoric and Human A History, Third Edition (ISBN 9781577665878).

Genres: Nonfiction, Communication, Language

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1986

Reviews

[Gerrit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone else seems to be reading this for class which is never a good motivator (so of course it will seem boring, right?); it is non-fiction and a theory text so it won't really be riveting. However, I gave it full 5 stars because it really can help someone who actually WANTS to learn about rhetoric to learn the foundations.

Hauser gives clear definitions of a wide variety of rhetorical terms with simple explanations.

[Tory S. Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it contained a great deal of useful information, it somehow managed to present it in a rote and lifeless way. There is nothing really wrong with this book, other than that it simply fails to be overly rhetorically effective itself. I did not read this for class and was hoping to extend my understanding of the power of language; this book seems to have the resources, but they are in such a raw and uninspiring form that mining them takes more effort than I would like. Nonetheless, if this happens to be the only rhetoric theory book you have on hand, it should be a good reference. The chapters on narrative and metaphor were particularly intriguing, but received only a gloss and weren't interconnected much with the rest of the book (unlike, say, the chapter on dramatic rhetorical theory).

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hauser presents the basic principles of rhetoric fairly well; however, his leftist political bias, seen throughout the book by the examples he uses (and in some cases how he misses the point of someone's quote) and how he arranges them in his argument, is disturbing for something designed to be a textbook. His attempt originally to give current quotes and examples also makes it necessary to edit it regularly, which, of course, works well in terms of the textbook scam that is required reading for college courses.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this for school and it was a difficult, long, and boring read. Ironically, it was not rhetorical at all, and after reading it I'm still unsure how to be persuasive. With that said, the stories he used as examples were captivating and he did a great job combining ancient wisdom with more recent authorities.

[skcocnaH · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ughhh. I had to read this for school. It was a STRUGGLE. I have actually enjoyed some text books I’ve had to read for school, so I know for a fact that there is a way to make them both understandable and interesting. This one misses the mark.

[Sarah Combs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure this is teaching me a lot about rhetorical theory, but it is soooooo boring!!

[Kaijsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is really boring at first and really hard to understand. After you get through the first half, it gets easier and more interesting.

[Katelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

had to read this for my advanced writing course. It was brutal. Hard to understand, yet repetitive. Confusing and really not that helpful...

[Nanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ouch. Not a candy book. Interesting, if wordy. Theory is almost always difficult to digest. Helpful, however.