UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
Rhetoric and Persuasive Communication
Definition:
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion through language. Studied since antiquity, it remains central to academic and professional communication. Understanding how arguments are constructed, how audiences are influenced, and how to communicate persuasively strengthens both writing and speaking.
Useful Resources on Rhetoric and Persuasive Communication:
Strang, S. (2015). Rhetoric. MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/21w-747-rhetoric-spring-2015
Annotation: MIT course covering the theory, practice, and implications of rhetoric and rhetorical criticism. Includes assignments, essay prompts, and instructor insights. Students practice analysis, persuasion, oral presentation, and critical thinking.
Walsh, A. (2015). Writing and rhetoric: Rhetoric and contemporary issues. MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/21w-011-writing-and-rhetoric-rhetoric-and-contemporary-issues-fall-2015
Annotation: MIT writing course in which students engage with social and ethical issues through rhetorical analysis and persuasive writing. Materials include a syllabus, writing assignments, readings, a guide to logical fallacies, and advice on collaboration.
Peer Review: None
Table of contents:
5.2. Rhetoric and Persuasive Communication
- 5.4. Oral Presentations
- 5.4.1. Presentation Techniques
- 5.5. Giving and Receiving Feedback
- 5.5.1. Giving Feedback
- 5.6. Teamwork and Collaboration
- 5.6.1. Understanding Teams
5.6.2. Working in Groups
5.6.3. Team Presentations
- 5.7. Networking
- 5.8. Leadership
- 5.9. Writing in English
- 5.10. Inclusive and Accessible Communication
- 5.10.1. Inclusive Language Principles
5.10.2. Inclusive Language Reference Tools
5.10.3. Gender-Inclusive Language
5.10.4. Writing about Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Identity
5.10.5. Disability-Inclusive Language
5.10.6. Document Accessibility
Author: Leeanne Irwin
Peer Reviewer(s): None