First Attempt at Defining Rhetoric

According to my computer's dictionary, rhetoric is "the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing". While this may be true, it is almost an easy way out. In order to truly define rhetoric, we must first understand what it means to be rhetorical. We make rhetorical moves every day, often without notice. Rhetorical actions may seem minuscule, even involuntary. Facial gestures for example: rolling your eyes during an argument, or attempting to appear straight faced while making a joke. In this case, the rhetorical act is done without saying a word, but no matter how big or small the act, there is always a desired reaction.