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An element of documentary films which Bill Nichols discusses in his book, Introduction to Documentary, is the development of rhetorical oratory. Nichols describes this element as follows: 

“Rhetoric in all its forms and all its purposes provides the final, distinguishing element of documentary. The recorder of facts, exhibitor of attractions, teller of stories, and poet of photogénie coalesce into the figure of the documentary filmmaker as orator, speaking in his or her own voice about a world we all share” (Nichols, p. 141).

From this section it becomes apparent that rhetoric is the main manner in which a filmmaker establishes their voice and direction in a film. A documentary film is a creative construction which cannot possible view the world without a bias. There will always be a direction of opinion established by the filmmaker and this is the rhetoric. 

For example, the film Triumphant of the Will (1935) by Leni Riefenstahi demonstrates the manner in which a filmmaker can try to craft certain emotions and reactions from the audience through the manner in which they present actual events. Riefenstahi gives a aura of dominance and power to Adolf Hitler by presenting the bird’s eye view of Germany being the view which Hitler has of the country as he flies in on the plane. She gives the impression that Hitler is watching over the country. Also, Riefenstahi focuses on children in the crowd more than adults to have the reaction of the audience be towards the rising generation of Germany rising up with the new leader. From history, we know Hitler was a ruthless dictator but from this documentary film he is presented as a loving and caring leader. This opinion is shaped by the filmmaker and is the filmmaker’s rhetoric. 

Another example of opinion being shaped through the rhetoric of the filmmaker is seen in the film Nothing But Time (Rien De Les Heures). In this film the filmmaker presents various people in Paris and their activities. However, the filmmaker uses editing greatly to help establishes a point of view of the city. For example, the beginning of the film first presents the well off higher class on grand stairs and then juxtaposes this with the images of struggling everyday people. Through this juxtaposition the filmmaker is relating the significance of the everyday struggle which the lower class (the class of the average citizen) must endure. This creates greater sympathy towards the everyday class and their everyday activities which are not always focused on. 

Also, the films Drifters and Coal Face are films which presented occupations in a positive and uplifted manner. They are both films which present  national industries of the UK and were created in a manner which seeks to generate pride in these occupations and thus pride in the nation. This pride is established through the choices the filmmaker used on what to show. For example, the film Drifters focuses on the vast quantity of fish in which the fishermen are able to produce. This gives the presentation of the occupation being very industrious and profitable.