rhetoric
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rhetoric
The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing.
Ein guter Anwalt muss nicht nur das Gesetz kennen, sondern auch die Kunst der Rhetorik beherrschen.
A good lawyer must not only know the law, but also master the art of rhetoric.
rhetoric
A way of speaking that aims for outward effect but is empty in content or artificial.
Die Wähler hatten genug von der leeren Rhetorik des Politikers und wollten konkrete Taten sehen.
The voters had had enough of the politician's empty rhetoric and wanted to see concrete action.
'Die Rhetorik' (rhetoric) is the noun related to the adjective 'rhetorisch' (rhetorical). A well-known combination is the 'rhetorische Frage' (rhetorical question)—a question to which no answer is expected because it only serves to add emphasis.
„Habe ich es dir nicht gesagt?“ ist eine typische rhetorische Frage.
'Didn't I tell you?' is a typical rhetorical question.
Whether 'Rhetorik' (rhetoric) is meant positively (the art of speaking) or negatively (empty talk) can often be recognized from the adjective. 'Gute Rhetorik' (good rhetoric) is a skill, while 'leere Rhetorik' (empty rhetoric) is a criticism.
Ihre brillante Rhetorik überzeugte die Jury.
Her brilliant rhetoric convinced the jury.
When 'Rhetorik' (rhetoric) means the art of speaking, it is often combined with verbs such as 'beherrschen' (to master), 'einsetzen' (to use), or 'verbessern' (to improve). A fixed phrase is 'die Kunst der Rhetorik' (the art of rhetoric).
In dem Seminar lernte sie, ihre Rhetorik gezielt einzusetzen.
In the seminar, she learned to use her rhetoric in a targeted way.
The negative meaning is often used in political debate. Typical combinations are 'populistische Rhetorik' (populist rhetoric), 'aggressive Rhetorik' (aggressive rhetoric), or 'bloße Rhetorik' (mere rhetoric).
Die Opposition kritisierte die populistische Rhetorik der Regierung.
The opposition criticized the government's populist rhetoric.
argumentation / reasoning
Argumentation and Rhetorik can both contribute to persuasion. Argumentation concerns the selection and logical connection of reasons. Rhetorik concerns presenting them effectively through language. When evaluating a text, it is therefore important to distinguish between its content and its presentation.
Die Rhetorik der Rede überzeugt durch klare Bilder und kraftvolle Formulierungen.
The speech’s rhetoric is convincing because of its vivid imagery and powerful wording.
Die Argumentation der Rede überzeugt durch klar verbundene Gründe.
The speech’s argumentation is convincing because its reasons are clearly connected.
