Let's come up with a class definition, or just a collaborative idea, of what exactly rhetoric is...

"Socrates: Is not rhetoric, taken generally, a universal art of enchanting the mind by arguments; which is practised not only in courts and public assemblies, but in private houses also, having to do with all matters, great as well as small, good and bad alike, and is in all equally right, and equally to be esteemed-that is what you have heard?" - The Phaedrus

Use of language for persuasion?

        Okay. Then define language.

any and all ways of communication between people 

Composing for a purpose?

        Alright. Let's define purpose.

the driving force behind peoples actions 

I would say rhetoric is the art of explaining (through words, sounds, etc.) what you're thinking, feeling, seeing, hearing, etc.

Try and explain to someone the way that you feel.

If you use a poem: your word choices, the way you form your lines and stanzas, the rhthym, the ryhmes, the title, the length, the way it looks on a page. All of this effects the emotion you're conveying, however slightly. All of this is rhetoric.

If you use music: your instrument choices, your tempo, your choice of key, your choice of chords and stucture, volume, lyrics, effects, and on, and on. This all effects how the listener feels. It's all rhetoric.

Rhetoric = Communication

mixmaster blog (becca)

Perhaps rhetoric is any practice that brings about, or relies on, tools and techniques for persuasion, inquiry, and self transformation.

Such as,

-devices and appeals for capturing and holding attention