There is an ancient proverb that goes, “Whoever governs his tongue governs his life.” The ability to communicate well has always been a mark of education, but our modern media-filled, sound-bite world has given rhetoric, or the art of speaking and writing well, a bad rap. Persuasion and manipulation have been conflated, and volume is mistaken for argumentation. But what about the lost art of using your voice wisely? At Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy we see the art of rhetoric as a capstone to a classical education. Here is why we teach rhetoric and how students learn this lost art.
The Forgotten Art: Why Rhetoric Matters More Than Ever
Rhetoric has been part of a solid education for thousands of years, and is a key element of the liberal arts education that Karl G. Maeser believed would “awaken the power within to do good.” However, in our instant-message driven world it’s easy to overlook rhetoric’s importance. Our world is full of words, but lacking in meaningful conversations. Learning rhetoric allows Maeser Prep students to contribute to culture and society with an uncommon level of maturity. Our alumni speak with poise and grace, and can disagree with others in a respectful and reasoned way.
The Trivium Completed: From Grammar to Logic to Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the final piece of the classical, two-thousand year old, trivium of education. Grammar is the foundation, and involves collecting information, learning new vocabulary, and absorbing the facts of a given discipline. Logic is the process of organizing what has been learned by studying relationships between ideas and constructing sound arguments while avoiding fallacies. And finally, Rhetoric is the ability to communicate what has been learned through grammar and logic. Rhetoric brings grammar and logic to life by giving them a voice and finding ways to help an audience be moved toward the truth. At Maeser Prep we see rhetoric as the culmination of the entire educational experience, and believe that a student is not educated until he/she can express ideas in a way that moves hearts and minds.
The Student Experience: Learning to Speak with Conviction and Character
At Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy rhetoric permeates the curriculum. We recognize rhetoric as an art, not simply as an extroverted personality trait, and strive to help each student find his/her individual voice. Through the Socratic method our classes delve deeply into big questions like, “What is justice?” and, “What does it mean to live a good life?” Writing is a staple of Maeser Prep student experience, from analytical, to creative, to persuasive, our students learn to utilize a variety of rhetorical situations. Twelfth graders conduct a Capstone project which culminates in a formal, oral defense in front of fellow students, teachers, and community members. In order to defend their argumentation seniors call upon the trivium of their entire Maeser experience, from the Latin they learned in seventh grade to their position in the ongoing, twelfth grade conversation about knowledge and meaning in their department. Rhetoric is an umbrella that hangs over our entire experience, and students use their voices throughout their time at our virtue based school, from student body speeches, to leading community service, to mentoring younger students.
Rhetoric is about using our voices in a way that strengthens arguments based on logic and evidence, not volume and aggression. Rhetoric is concerned with the needs of an audience, with helping people understand ideas they may not be familiar with. It’s easy to separate rhetoric from ethics, but at Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy we recognize that without a foundation of character, integrity, and truth, rhetoric has been hijacked from its intended purpose. We see rhetoric as the ability to help audiences see the truth and recognize Goodness, Beauty, and Truth wherever it resides.
The importance of being able to speak well is evident when students walk onto college campuses, defend scholarship essays, and face admission’s decisions. An ability to think on his/her feet, speak with conviction, and answer questions articulately sets Maeser Prep students apart from others in their peer group. Academic achievement, such as Maeser Prep’s average SAT score of 1330 and graduation rate greater than 95%, is certainly important, but Maeser Prep students shine because of an uncommon confidence and intellectual maturity that is evident from their first steps on campus. Rhetoric is the crowning achievement of a Maeser Prep education, and can be seen in everything from body language, to composure under pressure, to passion for learning.
Visit Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, which is the #1 high school in Utah by U.S. News & World Report, and see rhetoric in action. Schedule a tour or stop by one of our upcoming events to learn more about Maeser Prep.
Karl G. Maeser believed that real education awakens the power within to do good. Virtue-based Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy carries on that mission, embracing the fullness of the liberal arts and providing students with an exciting, challenging, and dynamic environment. In a classical education, rhetoric is the third of the three parts of the trivium, preceded by grammar and logic. In our daily lives, rhetoric is a key element of effective communication.
What is rhetoric? It’s more than a highfalutin’ classical term for speaking effectively. The quote, Whoever governs his tongue governs his life, hints at rhetoric’s importance. The ability to express thoughts articulately and effectively is not a soft skill that employers seek. Effective communication can advance careers, win elections, build businesses, and influence decisions. However, rhetoric is not a buzzword that refers to a superficial skill. Classical education approaches rhetoric with gravity.
In the classical tradition, rhetoric is the art of persuasion. Rhetorical training encourages students to find their voices and develop their ideas. However, students learn more than bombastic presentations and flashy moves to persuade. Instead, Maeser Prep students learn how to integrate ethics into rhetoric. Students learn that the most effective rhetoric is founded on truth. Students develop rhetorical chops to influence decisions but also character formation to influence with integrity. Rhetoric untethered from truth, ethics, and character is a perversion of this powerful tool.
The Community Impact: A Culture of Thoughtful Discourse
Students at Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy participate in rhetorical situations throughout their academic careers. In grades seven through twelve, our high-achieving students learn to express their thoughts effectively through rigorous, cross-disciplinary assignments and presentations. Students engage in Socratic Seminars where they learn to participate in meaningful conversations with grace. Students participate in debates to understand the elements of effective arguments. Classroom conversations provide students with countless opportunities to explain concepts clearly. Our senior Capstone is the pinnacle of our students’ rhetorical training, presenting our seniors with a forum for displaying their intellectual growth.
Effective communication is a focus in small classes where teachers can provide individualized feedback to students. However, Maeser Prep fosters a community of learners. Students are accountable for the rigor of their arguments and the integrity of their speech. Our culture of effective, meaningful, and ethical communication sets Maeser Prep students apart. Disrespectful discourse falls flat among peers when effective communication is the norm.
Evidence and Results: The Outcomes of Rhetorical Formation
In a culture of sound bites, memes, and instant messaging, rhetorical formation takes time and intentionality. However, the fruits of rhetorical formation are worth the effort. Effective communication leads to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Effective communication facilitates intellectual maturity. Effective communication builds confidence. Effective communication inspires action for good. Our students’ effectiveness is evident when they participate in Socratic Seminars on topics like What is justice? What does it mean to live a good life? Visitors can’t help but be impressed by our students’ poise as they move through college admissions processes, defend Capstone projects, and participate in adult conversations. Our school’s success as the #1 high school in Utah by U.S. News & World Report is no surprise when students have an average 1330 SAT, a 95%+ graduation rate, and acceptance into selective universities. Alumni enter their careers and communities eager to participate in collaborative, evidence-based decisions. Our graduates enter society with voices that count.
Conclusion: The Voice That Lasts
Rhetoric is one of those lofty-sounding terms in classical education that has surprising practicality. Rhetorical training at Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy gives our students tools for life. Students learn to engage in respectful, meaningful conversations. Students learn how arguments derive their strength from logic, evidence, and audience understanding rather than forceful personalities. Students learn how to participate in conversations with clarity and passion. Visit our campus to see rhetoric in action during Socratic Seminars and meet with families and teachers. We look forward to answering questions and helping you determine if Maeser Prep is the best option for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Socratic seminar?
A Socratic Seminar is a student-led discussion focused on a question or text. Seminars encourage students to articulate their thoughts effectively. Seminars foster an environment for students to ask questions and learn from one another. Learn more about Socratic Seminars here.
Is effective communication innate? Can introverts be good at it?
Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy approaches rhetoric as an art. Students learn how to communicate effectively; they develop these muscles with rigorous assignments and frequent practice. Students build their voices, learn from one another, and grow in this environment. Students who initially struggle to participate in conversations blossom over time as they hone these skills. Rhetorical training is a unique offering of the liberal arts that cultivates an environment for growth. Learn more about the liberal arts here.
How can families learn more?
Families are always welcome to reach out. Tours and open houses give families an opportunity to ask questions, meet with teachers, and learn more about Maeser Prep. Visit this page for upcoming events.
About Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy
Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy is a classical charter school in Utah. Learn more here.