CH6 - Bitzer and The Rhetorical Situation Flashcards
What are the three elements required for rhetorical discourse to exist according to Bitzer?
- rhetorical exigence
- rhetorical audience
- rhetorical constraints
These elements combine to form what Bitzer calls the rhetorical situation.
Define a rhetorical situation.
A complex of persons, events, objects, and relations presenting an actual or potential exigence that can be modified through discourse.
Rhetorical situation is also referred to as communication context.
What is rhetoric according to Bitzer?
Pragmatic, purposeful communication that attempts to create change in the world.
Rhetoric functions ultimately to produce change or action.
How does rhetoric change the world?
By creating discourse that alters reality through the mediation of thought and action.
Rhetors do not act directly; they persuade others to effect change.
What is an exigence?
A problem that requires action or change to address it.
An exigence may not always be negative; it can also refer to something that needs to be said or done.
What distinguishes a rhetorical exigence from a non-rhetorical exigence?
A rhetorical exigence can be affected by human activity and requires communication to resolve it.
Non-rhetorical exigences involve factors beyond human control.
Provide an example of a rhetorical exigence.
The need for people to prepare for power outages during a severe winter storm.
This situation allows for human intervention through communication.
What is the definition of a rhetorical audience?
An audience that can take action to solve a problem and can be persuaded to change their opinion.
Not all audiences are rhetorical; some may not be in a position to effect change.
What are the two criteria for a rhetorical audience?
- The audience must be able to take action to solve the problem.
- The audience must be able to be persuaded to change their opinion or take action.
What are constraints in a rhetorical situation?
Limits that can make it difficult for a message to be received, including beliefs, attitudes, and traditions.
Constraints affect both the rhetor and the audience.
List some sources of constraints.
- beliefs
- attitudes
- documents
- facts
- traditions
- images
- interests
- motives
True or False: All problems are considered rhetorical.
False
Only problems that can be addressed through human communication are rhetorical.
What must a rhetor consider when designing a message?
The constraints that affect how the audience will receive the message.
Constraints must be acknowledged and used as tools in message design.
Fill in the blank: Rhetorical exigence requires the use of _______ to resolve or mitigate the issue.
communication
How can a rhetor effectively address constraints in their message?
By acknowledging and addressing the audience’s beliefs and concerns directly.
What is the ultimate goal of rhetorical discourse?
To produce change by influencing the decision and action of persons who function as mediators of change.
What should you consider when selecting a topic for a persuasive speech?
Whether the rhetorical exigence exists among the audience and if the identified action will solve it.
What is rhetoric?
Purposeful communication that aims to create change in the world by persuading an audience to change their beliefs or solve problems.
What are the elements of the Rhetorical Situation?
Rhetorical exigence, rhetorical audience, and constraints.
Define exigence.
A problem that needs to be addressed in a given situation.
True or False: All exigences are rhetorical in nature.
False.
What is a rhetorical exigence?
An exigence that can be affected by human activity.
Provide an example of a non-rhetorical exigence.
Preventing a winter storm.
What is a rhetorical audience?
An audience who can take action that will either solve the problem or at least improve the situation.
What are constraints in the context of a rhetorical situation?
Elements that can potentially hinder your message, such as beliefs, traditions, and motives of your audience or yourself.
Fill in the blank: Rhetorical exigence can be affected by _______.
[human activity]
What must be assessed in advance of your presentation?
Constraints.
True or False: The act of persuading humans to prepare for a storm is an example of rhetorical exigence.
True.
