The Elements of Rhetoric

How to Write and Speak Clearly and Persuasively

By Ryan N.S. Topping

116 pp

$12.95

Edition: Paperback

Quantity

The Elements of Rhetoric

Paperback

$12.95

Organize your thoughts, avoid fallacy, and speak with confidence! The Elements of Rhetoric presents a practical introduction to the classical art of persuasion, drawing on the wisdom of great orators and teachers to form clear and effective communicators. The essential guide for students, teachers, politicians, and preachers.

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About the Book

The Elements of Rhetoric offers a concise, comprehensive course in the rules for making your point stick. With copious examples from such masters of language as Cicero, Augustine, Shakespeare, Erasmus, Lincoln, Dickens, Newman, Chesterton, and Lewis, you will discover the 26 rules of persuasion and learn to apply them. Among the Elements you’ll find:

The three modes of persuasion
How to structure an academic essay
How to spot and avoid logical fallacies
How to compose with literary figures
Practical tips for improving speed in composition
A Study Guide with exercises

This is the essential guide to persuasive writing and speaking, in the tradition of Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style.

Praise

“Leading by example, Topping delivers a handy guide for all of us who rely on the art of persuasion. The Elements of Rhetoric is a gem.”

— DANIEL B. COUPLAND

Hillsdale College, co-author of Well-Ordered Language: The Curious Child’s Guide to Grammar

“This is the book I have sought for 35 years. For those like me, for whom public speaking and writing is their stock-in-trade, this book is a must-have daily companion.”

— MICHAEL C. GILLERAN

Business & IP Trial Lawyer & Partner, Burns & Levinson, LLP, Boston, MA

“This versatile guide can supplement course material from any discipline in order to help students polish presentations and essays.”

— ANN MARIE KLEIN

Department of Catholic Studies, University of St. Thomas, MN

About the Author

RYAN N.S. TOPPINGis the author of ten books on education and culture including The Case for Catholic Education, The Elements of Rhetoric, and Rebuilding Catholic Culture. He is the Director of the Benedict XVI Institute for the New Evangelization at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Canada. He and his wife have ten children.