Rhetorical theory is the study of how language and communication influence people. It examines the techniques and strategies used in speaking and writing to persuade or inform an audience. This theory is rooted in the works of ancient philosophers like Aristotle, who identified key elements of rhetoric, including ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical reasoning). In modern contexts, rhetorical theory applies to various fields, including literature, politics, and advertising. It helps us understand how messages are crafted to achieve specific effects, guiding both the creation and analysis of persuasive communication in everyday life.