Definition of Rhetoric?

There is an array of different definitions of rhetoric. The dictionary defines it as an art form in how a writer expresses his ideas through different figures of speech. I personally think that the definition of rhetoric, as I see it, is how one chooses to freely express his ideas while skillfully convincing another of his views. I say this because there are many techniques involved in using rhetoric. The main being knowing your purpose, audience, stance, medium, design, and context. That seems like a lot of things to take into consideration and it really is. But mastering the art in using these techniques easily you will be able to write rhetorically. Writing rhetorically is import to being a well spoken writer. Without mastering these skills you can still write freely but you will not be able to convince others of your ideas or even to just let them see what your are thinking. writing rhetorically also involves thinking rhetorically. You write what you think and if you cannot think rhetorically how are you expected to write rhetorically? all of these things seem like a bunch of mismatched pieces to a puzzle but with practice one will be able to do everything in one well written genre of choose.