Developing rhetorical professional competence in students in higher education

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of forming rhetorical professional competence in higher education applicants in the conditions of modern challenges caused by global instability and military risks. The theoretical foundations of the concept of “rhetorical competence” in the scientific works of domestic and foreign researchers are considered, and its structure and components are analysed, in particular, linguistic, communicative, logical, psychological, moral-ethical and aesthetic aspects. The importance of developing in applicants the skills of persuasive oral and written speech, the culture of conducting discussions, public speaking skills and the ability to choose language tools in accordance with the purpose and situation of communication is emphasised. Particular attention is paid to the text-centric approach as an effective means of integrating linguistic, speech, communicative and rhetorical competencies. A system of exercises of different levels of complexity (linguistic, conditional speech, and communicative) is described, which contributes to the gradual development of rhetorical skills. The feasibility of using innovative teaching methods, in particular project, situational and interactive, which form the skills of teamwork, analytical thinking, argumentation and public self-expression, is substantiated. The advantages of the case method and student projects as forms of control and self-control that stimulate critical thinking and professional and rhetorical development are highlighted. It has been proven that a comprehensive combination of traditional and modern pedagogical technologies ensures the effective formation of rhetorical competence, which is a key component of the professional training of future specialists and a necessary condition for their competitiveness in the labour market and active civic position.