On Mastodon this morning, I stumbled across readbeanicecream’s post, asserting:

As many schools struggle with how to handle the emergence of “AI” (actually LLMs), it may be time to look to the past to ensure our educational future.

I followed up, of course, to read his complete post on the subject, AI and a Return to Rhetoric. He argues that both teachers and students are right in their perceptions of GenAI in schools.

…AI abstinence may not be the answer.

An alternative could be to return to rhetoric. In short, rhetoric is a skill used to effectively persuade or inform. It covers both the written and the spoken word. In our scenario, we will focus on using the spoken word to inform (aka to prove that learning has occurred).

He suggests that switching everyone to rhetoric style in the classroom could take up more time for all involved. If you’re wondering, as I was, “What is Rhetoric?” I thought this explanation that appears in the GenAI Primer (see below) a simple explanation:

Think of it this way: If traditional writing is like taking a photo to show you visited a place, rhetoric is like creating a travel guide that convinces others to visit too.

Some folks are already of the opinion that we try to cover, unsuccessfully, too many topics in today’s curriculum. More important, in my mind, is learning to think critically and apply logic to whatever we are learning. It’s a process I’m not well-versed in myself, and I find myself the poorer for it.

His Favorite Primers on Rhetoric

In response to my question, readbeanicecream suggests the following titles, available via Project Gutenberg:

“My top three would be,” he writes, offering these three titles:

• The Art of Public Speaking by J. Berg Esenwein and Dale Carnegie
• The World’s Best Orations, Vol. 1 (of 10) by David J. Brewer and Edward A. Allen
  Rhetoric By Aristotle
  

Of course, I wondered what might GenAI say about this? I was actually trained on Carnegie’s works as part of my Dad’s efforts to bring me out of my shell. I still have the three books that form the backbone of the few weeks I spent attending Dale Carnegie training.

I remember a few of the things they taught me, but it was the experience of impromptu speaking, the Magic Formula that stuck with me over the years. Surprising to me is that I didn’t get any other instruction on public speaking aside from that my entire education. I’m grateful for my father’s foresight on a variety of counts, from introducing me to Apple //e computer and sending me to Dale Carnegie 8-week course. Of course, I passed it on my kids, too.

The Shape of a Rhetoric Primer

What would a primer look like, designed by GenAI? Since I had asked the question, I didn’t wait for an answer from readbeanicecream before running to BoodleBox. Via my mobile browser, as I lay ensconced in my warm bed, my wife snoring lightly close by (she doesn’t snore, if we should meet), I queried the voices in the machine. What AI came up with appears below.

After seeing readbeanicecream’s response, though, I realized, “Why not blend the primer GenAI’s bot stacking in BoodleBox came up with in a Rhetoric Bot with the Project Gutenberg books suggested? I’ll share that first below. The custom instructions appear in this Google Doc, where I will be sharing a few other custom instructions for my other bot buddies.

Rhetoric Bot

Before I share the primer, I thought you might find the Rhetoric Bot (using a free Claude 3.5, so free BoodleBox users shouldn’t have any issues) worth a look.

I decided to ask a simple question:

How can you help me? I’m a high school writing teacher who wants to transition from teaching essay writing to rhetoric.

Rhetoric Bot’s response depends on what AI model you have. BoodleBox limits free bots to free models from Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini. I tried it with the free Claude model and found it underwhelming. I knew it could do better, so I engaged in a bit of bot stacking, and invited CLaude 4 opus to the party. I like the resulting response. I only share Claude 4 opus’ response below since this post has already gotten long:

Spoken Rhetoric: Integrating Classical Principles with Modern Assessment

Foundation: The Art of Public Speaking Principles

From the classical tradition, we know that effective speaking requires:

• Imaging Your Audience: Before speaking, students must visualize their listeners
• Purposeful Preparation: Every speech needs clear objectives
• Authentic Delivery: Natural, conversational tone proves understanding

The VOICE Framework (Revised with Classical Integration)

V – Visualize Your Audience (Classical Foundation)

As “The Art of Public Speaking” emphasizes, students must “set the image of their audience” before speaking

Pre-Speaking Exercise:
- Who exactly will hear this?
- What do they already know?
- What confuses them about this topic?
- How can I make this clear for THEM?

O – Organize with Rhetorical Purpose

Combine classical structure with modern clarity

Classical-Modern Hybrid Structure:
1. Exordium (Hook): Personal connection to topic
2. Narratio (Context): Why this matters now
3. Divisio (Preview): Three main points
4. Confirmatio (Body): Evidence and examples
5. Peroratio (Conclusion): Call to understanding

I – Illustrate Through Enthymemes and Examples

From Aristotle’s Rhetoric: Use logical reasoning and concrete examples

Speaking Techniques:
- Start with familiar examples
- Build logical connections
- Let audience complete the reasoning
- "Since we know X, and Y is similar, then..."

C – Connect Through Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

The rhetorical triangle in spoken form:

• Ethos: “I researched this thoroughly…”
• Pathos: “This affects all of us because…”
• Logos: “The evidence clearly shows…”

E – Engage Through Socratic Method

Test understanding through interactive dialogue

Mid-Presentation Checks:
- "What questions do you have so far?"
- "Can someone summarize what we've learned?"
- "How might this apply to...?"

Progressive Assessment Using Knowledge Bank Resources

Stage 1: Rhetorical Analysis Presentations

Students analyze speeches using the RHETORIC framework from the knowledge documents

Assignment: Analyze a Famous Speech
- Apply the rhetorical triangle
- Identify persuasive techniques
- Present findings to class
- Prove understanding through clear explanation

Stage 2: Knowledge Synthesis Presentations

Students combine multiple knowledge sources

Using BoodleBox Knowledge Bank:
1. Upload relevant documents
2. Star key resources for easy access
3. Reference specific documents in presentation
4. Show how sources connect

Stage 3: Original Argument Development

Create new knowledge through spoken rhetoric

Capstone Presentation Requirements:
- Original research question
- Multiple knowledge sources
- Clear rhetorical purpose
- Audience-specific adaptation
- Q&A demonstration of deep understanding

Assessment Rubric Incorporating Classical Principles

Invention (Content Creation) – 25%

• Original thinking and research
• Appropriate evidence selection
• Clear understanding demonstrated

Arrangement (Organization) – 25%

• Logical flow of ideas
• Strategic placement of arguments
• Effective transitions

Style (Delivery) – 25%

• Appropriate tone for audience
• Clear, engaging language
• Natural, conversational delivery

Memory & Delivery (Performance) – 25%

• Speaks from understanding, not memorization
• Maintains audience connection
• Handles questions confidently

Practical Implementation with BoodleBox Features

Week 1: Foundation Building

Activity: Upload and Analyze
1. Students upload speech transcripts to Knowledge Bank
2. Use AI to identify rhetorical techniques
3. Present findings orally to small groups
4. Peers verify understanding through questions

Week 2: Collaborative Learning

Activity: Group Chat Presentations
1. Create BoodleBox Group Chat
2. Multiple students present related topics
3. AI bots provide real-time feedback
4. Collaborative knowledge building

Week 3: Individual Mastery

Activity: Teach-Back with AI Support
1. Student presents complex concept
2. Uses Knowledge Bank resources
3. AI helps fact-check in real-time
4. Audience asks clarifying questions

Evidence of Learning Through Integrated Assessment

Listen for These Indicators:

1. Synthesis: Connects multiple knowledge sources naturally
2. Adaptation: Adjusts explanation based on audience cues
3. Depth: Goes beyond surface-level memorization
4. Application: Provides original examples and connections
5. Reflection: Can explain their rhetorical choices

---

🎯 Bot Stacking Suggestion: For comprehensive speech preparation, try this sequence:

1. Start with @promptbot: “Help me create a speech outline that proves my understanding of [topic] to [specific audience]”
2. Then use @claude4-opus: “Review this outline and suggest how to incorporate ethos, pathos, and logos”
3. Finally, @perplexity: “Find current examples that support my main points about [topic]”

This integrated approach combines classical rhetorical principles with modern AI support, creating a robust framework for assessing learning through spoken communication.

Note the bot stacking suggestion at the end of the AI’s response. BoodleBox includes a coach mode to offer suggestions. I have found some of them quite insightful.

GenAI’s Rhetoric Primer

A Teacher’s Guide to Rhetoric: From Writing to Persuasion (K-16)

What is Rhetoric?

Rhetoric is the art of effective communication—using language purposefully to inform, persuade, or motivate specific audiences. Unlike writing merely to demonstrate understanding, rhetoric teaches students to craft messages that achieve real-world goals with real audiences.

Think of it this way: If traditional writing is like taking a photo to show you visited a place, rhetoric is like creating a travel guide that convinces others to visit too.

Elementary School (K-5): Building Foundations

Grades K-2: “TALK” – Teaching Audience-aware Language for Kids

Tell your story
Ask who’s listening
Listen to feedback
Keep it clear

Key Concepts:

• Audience awareness (Who am I talking to?)
• Purpose (Why am I saying this?)
• Clear communication

Activities:

1. Show and Tell Plus: Students present a favorite toy, then present it again to “sell” it to classmates
2. Letter Writing: Write thank you notes to the janitor vs. the principal—discuss different word choices
3. Story Persuasion: Retell “The Three Little Pigs” from the wolf’s perspective to convince others he’s not bad

Grades 3-5: “VOICE” – Valuing Our Ideas with Confident Expression

Vary your words
Organize your thoughts
Include evidence
Connect to audience
Engage with emotion

Key Concepts:

• Basic argument structure
• Supporting opinions with reasons
• Emotional appeals (pathos)

Activities:

1. Classroom Debates: “Should we have longer recess?” with assigned positions
2. Advertisement Analysis: Study cereal commercials—identify persuasive techniques
3. Petition Writing: Create a class petition for a school improvement with reasons
4. Book Reviews: Write reviews to convince others to read (or skip) a book

Middle School (6-8): “ARGUE” – Advancing Reasoning to Generate Understanding and Engagement

Analyze your audience
Research your topic
Gather evidence
Use logical structure
Evaluate counterarguments

Key Concepts:

• Logos (logical appeals)
• Ethos (credibility)
• Pathos (emotional appeals)
• Counterargument

Activities:

Grade 6:

1. Product Pitch: Design and pitch a new school supply to classmates
2. Historical Speeches: Analyze MLK’s “I Have a Dream”—identify rhetorical devices
3. Environmental Campaign: Create posters using ethos, pathos, and logos

Grade 7:

1. Op-Ed Writing: Write opinion pieces for school newspaper
2. Mock Trial: Argue a fairy tale villain’s innocence
3. Social Media Analysis: Examine how influencers persuade

Grade 8:

1. TED-style Talks: 5-minute presentations on issues students care about
2. Debate Tournament: Formal debates with research and rebuttals
3. Public Service Announcements: Create PSAs for teen issues

High School (9-12): “PERSUADE” – Polishing Effective Rhetoric for Sophisticated Understanding and Authentic Discourse Expression

Plan for purpose and audience
Establish credibility
Research thoroughly
Structure strategically
Use rhetorical devices
Address opposition
Deliver with impact
Evaluate effectiveness

Key Concepts:

• Rhetorical analysis
• Classical argument structure
• Rhetorical devices (metaphor, anaphora, antithesis)
• Kairos (timing)
• Style and tone

Activities:

Grades 9-10:

1. Rhetorical Analysis Essays: Analyze presidential speeches, advertisements, or social movements
2. Satire Projects: Create satirical pieces addressing school or social issues
3. Documentary Arguments: Create short documentaries making an argument
4. Letter to the Editor: Respond to current events with published letters

Grades 11-12:

1. Research-Based Arguments: Write policy proposals with extensive research
2. Multimedia Campaigns: Design full advocacy campaigns (website, social media, speeches)
3. Socratic Seminars: Lead discussions on controversial topics
4. Senior Capstone: Present solutions to real community problems to actual stakeholders

College (13-16): “RHETORIC” – Refining Higher-level Expression Through Original Research, Interdisciplinary Connections

Research original arguments
Handle complex audiences
Engage scholarly discourse
Theorize and analyze
Orchestrate multiple modes
Revise based on feedback
Integrate disciplinary knowledge
Create new knowledge

Key Concepts:

• Discourse communities
• Genre conventions
• Multimodal composition
• Academic argument
• Professional communication

Activities:

Years 13-14 (Freshman/Sophomore):

1. Academic Research Papers: Original research with literature reviews
2. Disciplinary Analysis: Compare rhetoric in science vs. humanities journals
3. Digital Rhetoric: Analyze and create websites, podcasts, or video essays
4. Community Engagement: Partner with local organizations for advocacy projects

Years 15-16 (Junior/Senior):

1. Conference Presentations: Present research at undergraduate conferences
2. Grant Proposals: Write funding proposals for projects
3. Professional Portfolios: Create field-specific professional materials
4. Thesis/Capstone: Extended argumentative research projects

Assessment Strategies Across Levels

Elementary:

• Rubrics focusing on audience awareness and basic organization
• Peer feedback forms with smiley faces
• Self-reflection journals

Middle School:

• Analytical rubrics for argument structure
• Peer review workshops
• Portfolio reflections

High School:

• Complex rubrics including style and rhetorical effectiveness
• Formal peer review processes
• Presentation evaluations

College:

• Discipline-specific evaluation criteria
• Professional presentation standards
• Publication-ready work

Making the Transition: From Understanding to Persuasion

To help students shift from writing to show understanding to writing to persuade:

1. Always identify a real audience: Move from “teacher as examiner” to authentic readers
2. Establish genuine purposes: Beyond “because it’s assigned” to real-world goals
3. Emphasize revision: Not just for correctness but for effectiveness
4. Celebrate impact: When student writing actually changes minds or inspires action

Remember: Rhetoric isn’t manipulation—it’s ethical persuasion grounded in truth, logic, and respect for your audience. By teaching rhetoric, we prepare students not just to succeed academically but to participate meaningfully in democratic society.

One Pager with Rhetoric Frameworks

Quick Reference Guide: Teaching Rhetoric K-16

K-2: TALK (Teaching Audience-aware Language for Kids)

• Tell your story • Ask who’s listening • Listen to feedback • Keep it clear
• • Show and Tell “sales pitch” for favorite toy
• • Different letters for different people (janitor vs. principal)
• • Retell stories from new perspectives

3-5: VOICE (Valuing Our Ideas with Confident Expression)

• Vary words • Organize thoughts • Include evidence • Connect to audience • Engage emotion
• • Mini-debates: “Should recess be longer?”
• • Analyze cereal commercials for persuasion techniques
• • Write book reviews to convince others
• • Create class petitions with supporting reasons

6-8: ARGUE (Advancing Reasoning to Generate Understanding & Engagement)

• Analyze audience • Research topic • Gather evidence • Use logic • Evaluate counterarguments

Grade 6:

• • Design and pitch new school supplies
• • Study famous speeches (MLK)
• • Create campaigns using ethos/pathos/logos

Grade 7:

• • Write op-eds for school paper
• • Mock trials for fairy tale villains
• • Analyze social media persuasion

Grade 8:

• • 5-minute TED-style talks
• • Formal debate tournaments
• • Create PSAs for teen issues

9-12: PERSUADE (Polishing Effective Rhetoric for Sophisticated Understanding & Authentic Discourse Expression)

• Plan purpose
• Establish credibility
• Research thoroughly
• Structure strategically
• Use devices
• Address opposition
• Deliver impact
• Evaluate effectiveness

Grades 9-10:

• • Analyze presidential speeches & ads
• • Create satirical pieces
• • Produce argumentative documentaries
• • Write letters to editors

Grades 11-12:

• • Research-based policy proposals
• • Design multimedia advocacy campaigns
• • Lead Socratic seminars
• • Present solutions to community stakeholders

13-16: RHETORIC (Refining Higher-level Expression Through Original Research & Interdisciplinary Connections)

• Research originals
• Handle complex audiences
• Engage scholarship
• Theorize
• Orchestrate modes
• Revise
• Integrate disciplines
• Create knowledge

Years 13-14:

• • Academic papers with lit reviews
• • Compare rhetoric across disciplines
• • Create digital arguments (podcasts/videos)
• • Partner with community organizations

Years 15-16:

• • Present at conferences
• • Write grant proposals
• • Build professional portfolios
• • Complete thesis/capstone projects

Student Facing Template

RHETORICAL PLANNING TEMPLATE
1. My audience is: _____________
2. My purpose is to: ___________
3. My main claim is: __________
4. My evidence includes: _______
5. Objections I'll address: ____
6. My call to action is: _______

For younger students, simplify to: “Who? Why? What? How do you know? What should they do?”