Foss defines Rhetoric

The author, Sonja Foss defines rhetoric in three ways. The first definition she gives for rhetoric touches upon the negative connotations associated mostly with the everyday use of the word. Foss describes it as a bombastic language lacking substance.

In her second definition she stated how rhetoric was sometimes thought of as flowery, ornamental speech laden with other metaphors and other speech.

Foss defragmented her third definition into three primary dimensions. These are based on the human use of symbols to communicate. This behavior dates back to fifth century B.C.

Foss' definitions open up a more broad understanding of how rhetoric is used in daily life. We are constantly exposed to it via the media, as well as by our government. When Foss made the association to government I immediatley thought of every speech given by every political leader, not just Presidents, but Mayors and Governors alike. All political speeches/campaigns are based on rhetoric, nothing but empty promises and hyped up hullabaloo just to get an extra vote. Sonja Foss did a good job bringing the problems with rhetoric to the forefront opening a lot of eyes to the issues with rhetoric.

rhet⋅o⋅ric 
–noun
1.
(in writing or speech) the undue use of exaggeration or display; bombast.
2.
the art or science of all specialized literary uses of language in prose or verse, including the figures of speech.
3.
the study of the effective use of language.
4.
the ability to use language effectively.
5.
the art of prose in general as opposed to verse.
6.
the art of making persuasive speeches; oratory.
7.
(in classical oratory) the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience.
8.
(in older use) a work on rhetoric.