THE RHETORICAL SITUATION An Introduction

What is rhetoric? The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively. [American Heritage College Dictionary] “Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of discerning in any given case the available means of persuasion.” [Aristotle]

Aristotle believed that from the world around them, speakers could: observe how communication happens and use that to develop sound and convincing arguments.

Aristotle said that when a rhetor (speaker) begins to consider how to compose a speech, he/she must take into account 3 elements: the subject, the audience, and the speaker. Speaker Audience Subject

The Rhetorical Triangle by Aristotle Speaker Subject Audience

What is the Rhetorical Triangle? Shows the relationship between speaker, audience, message, style, purpose, tone Understanding these rhetorical elements makes both writing and analysis much clearer Speaker Audience Subject

Audience The writer/speaker: speculates about audience expectations and knowledge of subject, and uses own experience and observation to help decide on how to communicate with audience.

Subject The writer/speaker: evaluates what the audience knows already and needs to know, investigates perspectives (researches), and determines kinds of evidence, format, style, etc that seem most useful (supports assertions with appropriate evidence).

Speaker The writer/speaker uses: who they are, what they know and feel, and what they’ve seen and done to find their attitudes toward a subject and their understanding of audience.

Context and Purpose (intended effect on audience) Context: the situation in which the text occurs Purpose: the emerging aim that underlies many of the writer’s decisions

Rhetorical Triangle Plus Speaker Context/Purpose (intended effect on audience) Audience Text

The context (the situation in which the text occurs) is especially important. Context may reflect important socioeconomic, cultural elements, or more mundane things, such as where and when the text occurs. Some like to think of context as “setting.” Man with painting on sidewalk/ or in museum. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Context tends to be more important when you are reading a text Context tends to be more important when you are reading a text. You need to be aware of the situation in which the text was created. When you are composing, the context is usually less important because you are composing here and now, and you are aware of the context. There are always exceptions – if you are writing about moves toward democracy in the Middle East, but you live in the US, you may need to be aware of how your context differs from those who live in the Middle East and that may affect your argument.

Purpose (aka intent) is a tricky thing. I tell a joke – you don’t laugh. Is it more important that I want you to laugh or that you don’t laugh? Perhaps my intent to make you laugh and the fact that you don’t laugh are equally interesting to note, but neither is more important. It is my not-so-humble opinion that one of the problems with education has been a focus on the importance of what the author meant (intent), when audience reaction is as important. So – I prefer to refer to purpose as intended effect on audience.

There is purpose! This is not to say there is no such thing as intent or purpose. When you are writing, you must know your purpose. In an academic paper the purpose may be presented in your thesis statement. And Purpose can be clear when you are reading as well – all ads want you to buy the product.

SOAPST Subject Occasion Audience Purpose Speaker Tone

SOAPST Subject – what the text is about Occasion – where the text takes place Audience – who the text is intended for Purpose – the main point of the text Speaker – who the author of the text is Tone – the effect the text has

SOAPST Review Open textbooks to the activity at the bottom of page 6 Read former President George W. Bush’s speech regarding 9/11 Consider the elements of SOAPST after your initial read through

Rhetorical Appeals Ethos Pathos Logos The writer/speaker uses different approaches to influence the audience’s attitude toward the subject. These are: Ethos Pathos Logos

Rhetorical Analysis of Visual Texts Turn to the image on page 21 in your textbook. Utilizing SOAPST, analyze the image depicting Rosa Parks and the gates of heaven.

Rhetorical Analysis of Visual Texts Turn to the activity on page 29 in your textbook. Consider these elements while analyzing the image: Context and Purpose Ethos, Pathos Logos Effective/Ineffective

The End 