Here's a breakdown of what "voice" in rhetoric encompasses:
1. Persona: This refers to the constructed identity of the speaker or writer. It's how they present themselves to the audience, which can be formal, informal, authoritative, playful, etc.
2. Tone: This refers to the emotional attitude the speaker or writer conveys. Is it serious, humorous, sarcastic, angry, hopeful? Tone is expressed through word choice, sentence structure, and other rhetorical devices.
3. Diction: This refers to the specific word choices the speaker or writer uses. Formal diction uses more elevated language, while informal diction is more casual. Diction plays a crucial role in shaping the tone and persona.
4. Syntax: This refers to the sentence structure used. Short, choppy sentences create a sense of urgency, while long, complex sentences can convey a more thoughtful or scholarly tone.
5. Figurative language: This encompasses devices like metaphors, similes, personification, and imagery that help to create vivid descriptions and make the writing more engaging.
6. Point of view: This refers to the perspective from which the speaker or writer is presenting their argument or narrative. It can be first person ("I"), second person ("you"), or third person ("he/she/it").
In essence, "voice" is the combination of all these elements that make a piece of writing or speech unique and memorable. It's the writer's or speaker's distinctive style and personality that shines through their work.