1. Chapter 2 Rhetoric and Technical Communication

2. Types of Problems
Workplace Problems are real-world issues, those that present obstacles to a particular workplace environment.
Rhetorical Problems relate to the difficulties or troubles involved in the production of a text or document.

3. Workplace Problems Distinguish between “real” and “perceived” problems
Spend time studying the problem as part of the Plan phase of the PSA

4. What is “Rhetoric”?
Aristotle: “the available means of persuasion in any given situation”
Zeno: an “open hand” that allows speakers or writers options
A way of thinking about how writing works in specific contexts
A non-linear approach, where writers consider multiple possible solutions

5. Thinking Rhetorically Involves
Exigency: a situation or event that causes a workplace problem needing to be solved
Workplace Writer: produces the documents that help solve problems
Audience: receives, understands, and uses the document
Document: medium between writer and audience
Context: outside factors and constraints

6. Exigency and Purpose To inform To define To explain To propose
To convince

7. Audiences Audiences determine how and what one writes.
Audiences vary by knowledge about the subject, expectations and attitudes, and ability to act.
These factors influence the genre, style, and organization of the document.

8. Anticipating Audience Needs
Reaffirm existing beliefs or locate & challenge existing objections
Consider how the document will be read
Anticipate whether the audience will take action based on the document
Offer distinct sections to provide easy access for different audiences

9. Ethos
Ethos – a writer’s character or credibility – is fostered by attention to:
Correctness
Experience and Expertise
Goodwill
Identification
Trust

10. Contexts and Constraints
In the Plan stage of the PSA, writers account for all the contextual factors and constraints such as:
Location
Money
Time

11. Documents
Documents are the means through which audience needs are met and credibility takes shape.
Plan the appropriate document genre.
Consider available technologies for distributing the document.