Words that Win: A Qualitative Phenomenological Analysis of Rhetorical Techniques in Forensics

This study explores how different rhetorical techniques in collegiate forensics influence college students. Many people do not fully understand how two types of forensic speeches—oral interpretation and platform presentation—affect college students. Using a qualitative approach, this research examines which rhetorical techniques were most influential. A forensics showcase was held. Both an oral interpretation and a platform presentation were performed on the same topic to see how they influenced students. After watching, students answered survey questions about which techniques were most impactful. The results showed that emotional storytelling was the most memorable and persuasive. This study found that a storytelling approach made the topic more influential than presenting logical statistics, even though statistical techniques made the topic easier to understand. These findings are connected to Walter Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm theory, which explains how people are influenced by stories. Ultimately, this study highlights the power of emotional, narrative-driven rhetoric in shaping audience perception and engagement. This provides important perspectives on the power of persuasive communication.