Ch 6 - Bitzer & The Rhetorical Situation Flashcards
What is a rhetorical situation?
It is a context where rhetorical discourse can occur, consisting of a rhetorical exigence, rhetorical audience, and constraints.
What is rhetorical exigence?
A problem or need that can be addressed or mitigated through communication.
Give an example of a rhetorical exigence.
Convincing people to reduce vehicle idling to decrease carbon emissions.
What is a non-rhetorical exigence?
A situation that cannot be resolved through communication, such as a natural disaster.
What is a rhetorical audience?
People who can act to resolve the exigence and are open to persuasion.
What are the two key characteristics of a rhetorical audience?
They must be able to take action and must be persuadable.
What are rhetorical constraints?
Factors that limit how effectively a rhetor can persuade their audience.
Give examples of constraints in a rhetorical situation.
Audience beliefs, attitudes, traditions, available time, and medium of communication.
Why is it important to clearly define the rhetorical exigence?
To help the audience understand the problem and their role in solving it.
What role does a rhetor play in a rhetorical situation?
The rhetor uses communication to persuade the audience to think or act in a way that resolves the exigence.
What distinguishes a rhetorical audience from a general audience?
A rhetorical audience can take meaningful action to address the problem and is open to persuasion.
How do constraints affect rhetorical discourse?
They shape how the rhetor designs their message and influence how the audience receives it.
How can a rhetor address constraints in their communication?
By anticipating objections, tailoring the message to the medium, and aligning with the audience’s values.
Why is a rhetorical situation necessary for persuasion?
It provides the conditions in which communication can effectively create change.
How can identifying the rhetorical exigence improve communication?
It clarifies the purpose and aligns the message with actions the audience can take.
