The Canons of Rhetoric

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Aristotle and other Greek rhetoricians thought of rhetoric as having five canons or established principles. These principles outline the systems of classical rhetoric. I have listed the name of each canon, but I have defined each briefly in terms of a verb, i.e. what it is that these canons are supposed to help you do.

Invention: To discover the available means of persuasion.

Arrangement: To select and assemble the argument effectively.

Style: To present the argument cogently and eloquently.

Memory: To speak extemporaneously.

Delivery: To effectively use voice, gestures, text, and images.