Dr. Pullman’s discussion in chapter 3 of the text deals with the 5 canons of rhetoric. This is my favorite chapter and I enjoyed learning about all of them. The one that I believe I personally resonate with, as coming into the class from beginning, is an appreciation for the delivery process of rhetoric. My father is a Baptist preacher and I have been blessed to see a myriad of speakers. Persuasion is at the heart of what a minister does. He depends on the Spirit to direct him yet the ability to persuade the listener to hear, to give what he is saying a chance, to stay engaged until the end, and then to be enticed to reflect on what was said after the moment has passed, are all elements of effective rhetoric. I really did not think about it under the guise of the term rhetoric, but, at the end of this class, I am fully willing to do so now.
What was most persuasive of these ministers was not always their messages as much as how they delivered them. Imagery is another, as were alliterations also a key tool in the hands of a strong rhetor for the faith. Full-bodied engagement was also one with a minister even doing minor acrobatics (very minor) at the height of his delivery.
The intonation was a very strong element. Often, the minister would begin the sermon with a very serious, low, controlled tone and paced word delivery. He would take time to develop his topic and, upon reaching a climatic apex his tone had gone from that controlled to, in many (dare I say most from that day) cases, a fevered, excited, emotional conveyance of his faith. One of the most intriguing ministers you will every find is Dr. S. M. Lockridge. I am attaching a link to his, “That’s My King” sermon. You must simply pull aside and listen to his transition to the closing but I also encourage you to listen to the beginning in order to understand how he builds up to that point–exhilarating and intriguing. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/4BhI4JKACUs?t=54m19s
Moving away from the Baptist preacher, I was watching a presentation of a woman by the name of Lisa Noles. Her back story is very encouraging–an African-American single mother who becomes a millionaire. She is now a motivational speaker and author. I stumbled across a full presentation of one of her conference addresses. From the beginning, I was thinking–she is quite the rhetor. I cannot help myself–I look for the rhetor in anyone that is speaking to an audience. I could not necessarily ascribe strength the other 4 canons but resoundingly to the 5–delivery.
I am attaching a video link to her presentation. Her delivery is definitely one that is only to inspire. She does not want her audience to look at where they are now but, rather, where they are going. It is a message that she repeats numerous times during her presentations. As a rhetorical tool, she plays an audio segment of Dr. Martin L. King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech after which she becomes moves to tears. Another rhetorical instrument she draws upon is her use of audience–pinpointing a few individuals and telling them that she “loves” them but you infer that her statement is intended for all in attendance. Her movements, breathy delivery of statements, smiles, injection of her own journey, and I could go on, are all tenants of a practiced and seasoned rhetor.
I encourage pulling aside for a moment and watching her…in action.
Recent Comments