The Rhetorical Tradition, p. 169-240

I find it most interesting that one of Aristotle's most substantial works began as simple class notes. I think this gives us a greater picture of what his philosophy and everyday perspective on the subject of rhetoric, as it becomes clear that Rhetoric was likely never intended to be published, and therefore lacked the careful planning and process of elimination that often goes into a work.

The three kinds of speeches Aristotle mentions could include rational appeals are:
1) Forensic speeches; examining past actions of the court
2) Deliberative speeches; focus on the future of the court, and possibility
3) Epideictic or ceremonial speeches; reserved for awards or funeral.

The article mentions that Aristotle believe first, and foremost, topoi, or topics or "places," must be found for each location, and determined suitable. While forensic and deliberative speeches are considerably less common in modern practice than in ancient history, this model can easily be applied to our modern communications--and topoi can be applied, nonetheless, to ensure effective communication.

Three modern speeches are:
1) Casual conversation; taking place among friends or familiars, lacking in the rigid formality of perhaps a...
2) Academic conversation; applicable to school and work settings, where formality is required, but not to the extent of preparing a written presentation (unless asked)
3) Epideictic or ceremonial speeches; reserved for awards or funeral.

Considering these venues, it is easy to envision a scenario where topoi becomes important. When Stuart is with his friends, he may make a joke about the professor of his English class in order to articulate his frustration with the curricula; this same remark is markedly inappropriate while in his English class, or while giving a speech at the English Department awards banquet later in the year (unless his professor is easygoing, and it does not come off as disrespectful, which is another topic entirely).

Aristotle's list of pre-made topics are only useful within the specific venues he lists, much like the informal "danger zones" we must learn to avoid in modern situations, and the acceptable language of professional situations.