Pick one concept from the assigned reading (Chapter 9) that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
The concept that found to be the most interesting in this chapter was the idea of the social functions of rhetoric. The reason that I found this particularly interesting is because it I finally began to understand rhetoric and how important it is in everything we do and all of our interactions within out society.
There are six factors of the social function of rhetoric. They are discovering facts, testing ideas, persuading others, shaping knowledge, building community and lastly, distributing power.
One part I found extremely interesting is the distributing power factor. When you think about it, its often the most powerful person who is speaking. Such as a president, a teacher or a group leader.
But what really is important, I believe, is what they do with the power.
Of the factors I think discovering facts is extremely crucial, but sometimes it happens without knowing it. For example, you may think you know something, but once you look into it or really listen or hear about the topic you may discover knew information. In speeches often both the speaker and as well as the audience learn new information.
Until next time,
ImaginePeace
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Hello ImaginePeace! You brought up the point that rhetoric has social consequences, specifically power. How can one use power to their advantage? Career? In a psychological way? Political Power? Personal Power? How can one manipulate this power? Can you think of an historical example of someone that has used this to their advantage? :)
ReplyDeleteDiscovering facts are critical to communicating effectively. It is interesting in the times during our speeches or conversations when the light bulb turns on and we are able to convey facts. Those who can support their facts and organize them into effective speeches tend to have excelllent presentations.
ReplyDeleteOne example of Power would be (at the risk of sounding redundant) Hitler. He used his power to advance everything in his life possible: his political career, he used power in a psychological way and manipulated the views of hundreds or thousands of people. This is an example of someone who uses their power for evil.
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