History

• Rhetorical writing technique was developed into a high art form by ancient Greek philosophers. Aristotle defined rhetoric's three main techniques. Ethos is self-referential writing that depends on the virtue and integrity of the writer. Logos attempts to persuade through the use of logical reasoning. Pathos uses emotion and identification to get a point across. Different techniques of writing evolved to fit the basic rhetorical approaches. The Roman orator Cicero advanced the art of rhetoric with his writings of the 1st century.
  
  

Emotion

• Loaded diction is a rhetorical writing technique also known as slanted language. Choose certain words, called dysphemisms, with biased or prejudicial connotations to sway a reader. Words such as "communist" and "terrorist" arouse feelings of hatred and fear. Spare the reader's feelings with soft, non-threatening euphemisms. Substitute positive words such as "passed on" in place of more disturbing words for death. Rhetorical definition uses emotionally charged words to define controversial concepts. An example is substituting "murder" for "abortion."
  
  

Intellect

• Rhetorical writing that appeals to the intellect uses allusions to past events and famous people. Literary allusions to characters from the Bible, mythology and history, spark interest with links to well-known people and scenes. Analogy compares an abstract or unknown concept with a more familiar one. Analogy may be as simple as a simile, or may involve a more complex, multi-point comparison. Weave statistics, facts and testimony into rhetorical writing to intellectually present your argument.
  
  

Humor

• Humorous rhetorical techniques disarm the reader and set him at ease, allowing better reception of your ideas. Use irony to imply more than you are actually saying by stating the opposite of what you mean. Ironic understatement downplays the importance of your argument for humorous effect. Understatement is a useful technique for addressing an unsympathetic audience. Use hyperbole or exaggeration to over-emphasize your point in a funny way. Ask rhetorical questions with implied or obvious unstated answers.