What is implied by the term 'rhetorical criticism'?

The term 'rhetorical criticism' encompasses the study and evaluation of the various components that make up a speech or communication. This method involves a critical analysis of how elements such as argument structure, language choices, persuasive techniques, and the overall effectiveness contribute to achieving the speaker's purpose. By evaluating these components, rhetorical criticism provides insights into how a message resonates within its context and with its audience, allowing us to understand not just what is said, but how it is delivered and the impact it intends to have.

Analyzing audience reactions is a worthwhile endeavor, but it does not fully capture the analytical scope of rhetorical criticism. While understanding audience response is important, rhetorical criticism primarily focuses on the construction of the message rather than external interpretations of it. Similarly, assessing a speaker's vulnerability typically falls within psychological or situational analysis rather than the core examination of rhetorical strategies. Reflecting on personal feelings about the speech can be subjective and may not address the systematic study that rhetorical criticism entails. The process is rooted in a more objective evaluation of the components forming the rhetoric, which is why it aligns closely with the evaluation of speech components.