The textbook, Rhetorical Criticism by Sonja Foss defines Neo-Aristotelian criticism as a method of criticism that was developed to analyze speeches, and discursive text. It is analyzed in a 4 step process: [1] selecting an artifact; [2] analyzing the artifact at; [3] forming the research question; & [4] writing the essay.

There are 3 basic steps in analyzing the artifact. Neo-Aristotelian criticism analyzes biographical information by reconstructing the context in which the artifact occurred, apply the 5 cannons to the artifact, and assess the impact of the artifact to the audience.

The 5 canons of rhetoric are -

1. Invention [the location and creation of ideas & materials for the speech]
2. Organization, location, creation of ideas, & materials for the speech
3. Style [the language of the speech]
4. Memory [mastery of the subject matter, which may include memorization of the speech]
5. Delivery [management of the voice & gestures in the presentation of the speech]