The defining aspects of traditional rhetoric reinforce oppressive and harmful forms of communication. Functioning through assumptions, persuasion, oppositional argumentation, and the assertion of absolute truth, I argue that the defining features of rhetoric contribute to oppressive structures in our language and society. With a particular focus on the methodology behind harm reduction, I propose that we should collectively move towards a more compassionate mode of communication. Inspired by Sonja K. Foss and Cindy L. Griffin’s “Beyond Persuasion: A Proposal for an Invitational Rhetoric,” this thesis develops a rhetorical theory to propose a definition and explication of ‘Compassionate Rhetoric.’ I investigate the various public health policies that arose from Nixon’s declared War on Drugs, the tactics of large-scale harm reduction organizations, and the effects of addiction as a basis for introducing the harmful effects of traditional rhetoric. In response, I establish and elucidate the characteristics of compassionate rhetoric from Buddhist thought, feminist scholarship, and literary studies. At large, the three primary features of compassionate rhetoric are (1) cultivating the beginner’s mind; (2) seeing similarities within differences; and (3) accepting inevitable contradictions. Stemming from the Zen school of Buddhism, the beginner’s mind (shoshin) is an attitude of open-mindedness without preconceived notions and beliefs to encourage accepting new ideas and approaches. As a basis, the beginner’s mind allows the rhetor to move past oppositional, dualistic intellect and thus see the similarities within differences in view and opinion. With language as the primary form of communication for this thesis, I argue that there will be an inevitable need to accept contradiction as it arises in our expression of ideas and beliefs. The main prerogative of compassionate rhetoric is building unity within our communication between all interlocutors through compassion. By considering compassionate rhetoric when engaging in communication, this study intends to reduce the harm and suffering that result from callous and oppressive rhetorical theories.