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Personal Reflection Of Rhetoric

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My original understanding of rhetoric stemmed from a variety of standard English course: from AP Language and Composition in High School to Research, Genre, and Context my freshman year at Florida State University. Following what I believed to be a solid ground in rhetorical theory, I began the course thinking of rhetoric as a function of persuasion, existing solely in the entities that intend to influence their audience for personal gain. However, I have come to learn a more complex definition. My definition of rhetoric has not experienced some form of unanticipated turn-around, instead, it has broadened. While I once believed rhetoric to be used persuasive writing or speaking, I now recognize the breadth of application in basic interaction between humans; in short, rhetoric is everywhere. Because rhetoric is based interpersonal communication, all rhetorical actions are founded in personal context and self-interest; therefore, all ideas, words, symbols, language, and all expressions of which we have control are inherently rhetorical. Due to its wide impact and use, rhetoric is necessary to study because it provides the means to effectively communicate with other humans. To be a positive force within society is to be conscious of the affect you have on those around you; by studying rhetoric, I can recognize the way I am influenced, and how I influence others.
To reach a comprehensive definition of what rhetoric truly is, I will first analyze the way my definition has

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