CH24 - Using Rhetorical Theory to Write Your Report Flashcards
What is rhetorical exigence?
Something needing to be done (or a problem to be solved) that can be fixed with the cooperation of others.
What are the three constituents of Bitzer’s ‘The Rhetorical Situation’?
- Rhetorical Exigence
- Rhetorical Audience
- Constraints
What does the rhetorical audience need to be able to do?
Able to make the needed change and open to being persuaded.
What should you consider when analyzing rhetorical exigence?
The relational issues involved in persuading an audience.
What is the primary goal of Mei’s report?
To change her audience’s opinion about the safety and reliability of nuclear energy.
What is Hamid’s rhetorical exigence in his report?
To help his audience know what to look out for with Lyme disease and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
Fill in the blank: Rhetorical audience must be able to make the needed change and _______.
[open to being persuaded]
What are constraints in a rhetorical situation?
Elements that limit what the writer or speaker can effectively say.
What key questions should you ask to identify constraints?
- How much background information does the audience need?
- How long is the report or presentation expected to be?
- Are credible sources of evidence available?
- What are the design conventions for the style of report?
What is Mei’s approach to background information in her report?
She avoids deep technical details about fusion reactions and focuses on comparing energy outputs.
What is Hamid’s strategy for providing background information in his speech?
He breaks up his speech into three parts to ensure the audience understands Lyme disease.
What is the expected length of Hamid’s persuasive speech?
5 minutes, with a strict time window of 4:50 to 5:10.
True or False: Hamid is allowed to use PowerPoint slides in his presentation.
False
What are Aristotle’s Modes of Appeal?
Strategies used to create a persuasive message, including ethos, pathos, and logos.
What is the importance of credible sources in a report or presentation?
They ensure the information is seen as credible by the audience.
What design conventions must Mei follow in her report?
Include a cover page, transmittal document, title page, table of contents, list of tables and figures, reference page, and appendices, all in APA format.
What must Hamid’s speech be based on?
An outline created from the persuasive speech evaluation form provided by his instructor.
Fill in the blank: Constraints include factors such as the audience’s _______ and the availability of credible sources.
[knowledge of the topic]
What are Aristotle’s Modes of Appeal?
Ethos, pathos, and logos.
Define ethos in the context of persuasive messaging.
The credibility of the speaker as established in the message by demonstrating good will, good judgement, and good character.
What is pathos?
A connection of the message to the needs, values, expectations, and wants of the audience.
Define logos in persuasive communication.
A well-organized, well-supported, and well-positioned argument.
What should be assessed to establish ethos?
- Awareness of audience needs * Meeting report conventions * Fair and complete information presentation.
What does pathos require when designing a message?
- Quality of research * Clarity of report design * Claims supported by credible evidence.
What are the three questions Mei considers to determine her ethos?
- Does my content show awareness of the needs of the audience? * Am I meeting the conventions of the report? * Is the information presented fair and complete?
True or False: Ethos allows for personal opinions to be included in a report.
False.
What is the importance of addressing audience concerns in logos?
To describe the problem and the solution in terms that are connected to the audience’s concerns.
What are the questions to assess logos in a message?
- Is the issue presented in a complete and balanced way? * Does the report organize sections in a logical way? * Is the argument positioned to recognize the audience’s concerns?
What does Mei need to ensure when presenting arguments in her report?
Using the same quality of resources for both pro and anti-arguments.
Fill in the blank: Ethos is about the ______ of the speaker.
[credibility]
How does Hamid plan to establish his ethos?
By discussing his own close call with Lyme disease to create a personal connection.
What is a key strategy for Hamid in his presentation regarding audience understanding?
To focus on basic information rather than overwhelming details.
What should Mei do to ensure her claims are supported by credible evidence?
Evaluate her sources to ensure they are reputable and current.
What does logos emphasize in the structure of a report?
Logical organization and a balanced presentation of the argument.
True or False: Hamid’s speech aims to scare the audience about Lyme disease.
False.
What is an essential step when using Bitzer’s analysis in report writing?
Assessing the rhetorical exigence, audience, and constraints.
What does Mei’s report structure consist of?
- Introduction * Nuclear Energy and the Environment * Safety * Viability * Conclusion.
How does Hamid plan to end his speech?
With a list of strategies for protecting against Lyme disease.
Fill in the blank: Pathos connects the message to the audience’s ______.
[needs, values, expectations, and wants]
What is the main focus of the ‘Modes of Appeal’?
Creating a persuasive message.
What is the role of credible sources in establishing ethos?
They contribute to showing the speaker’s credibility through the information presented.
What is the first step in crafting your report?
Identifying your focused topic and research question
Which theory should you apply when crafting your report?
Bitzer’s ‘The Rhetorical Situation’ and Aristotle’s Modes of Appeal
What are the three constituents of Bitzer’s rhetorical situation?
- Rhetorical exigence
- Rhetorical audience
- Constraints
How do Bitzer’s constituents assist in report preparation?
They help assess the situation where you are presenting your report
What are Aristotle’s Modes of Appeal?
- Ethos
- Pathos
- Logos
How do Aristotle’s Modes of Appeal contribute to your report?
They help you craft a more persuasive message
Fill in the blank: The three constituents of Bitzer’s rhetorical situation are ______, rhetorical audience, and constraints.
[rhetorical exigence]
True or False: Bitzer’s constituents should be evaluated after applying Aristotle’s Modes of Appeal.
False
