In the first chapter of Book I, we learn the fours uses of rhetoric. Aristotle also introduces some revolutionary concepts about the art of rhetoric. The three players in persuasive discourse the speaker, the message, and the audience make up the rhetorical situation. Depending on the message, the audience, and the topic, one of three types of speeches may be used. Deliberative speeches address future concerns, the topics of which are specifically outlined.
Forensic speeches address past acts in accusation or defense.
Epideictic speeches address the praise or blame of a present issue or topic. While Aristotle very neatly outlines what appears to be a formula for rhetoric, he introduces some of the issues that will be discussed in Book II concerning the persuasion of an audience. He states, as Plato proved in the Gorgias , that it is better to suffer wrong that to do wrong. When I read that, I was surprised. Of course, it is understandable that Aristotle would uphold the teachings and logic set forth by Plato, but I didn't think that this point would be concerned with the art of rhetoric.