The rhetoric situation
I am not one to use fancy words or titles because fancy words tend to over-complicate very simple principles. For example, the rhetorical situation is the situation a writer is in when they write. Why is the rhetoric situation important? Each time you write, a rhetoric situation occurs. There are five elements that affects the content and how the reader comprehends the writing: the writer (you), the topic, the reader (them), the purpose, and the occasion (exigence). Starting to get why this is important (if you are a blogger)?
Writer
The writer and the tone he or she uses to communicate greatly influences the reader. Many bloggers write (without a plan) and hope they gain readers. Others give more thought and attempt to assess their readers. If your intent is to inform your entry should be geared towards your target audience but there is a high possibility that people more knowledgeable than you are reading the entry. A blogger should write for their target audience.
Topic
Topics usually stem from real-life situations. The number one rule: select a topic you care about. A suggestion: narrow the topic so proper focus can be given. The general topic covering different technologies would most likely do better (number of readers) than technology, knitting and interior design on one blog.
Readers
Thinking in terms of supply and demand, unless the reader receives a benefit the reader will leave and not return. Sometimes readers will read the blog of someone he or she dislikes because a need is being fulfilled (for example, information or entertainment).
Purpose
Purpose=motive or why the blogger is writing. Examples would be to educate, persuade, entertain, shock, etc. The purpose should be clear. Often bloggers will attempt to persuade but end up educating or informing which is not bad, but not the goal.
Occasion
The occasion is the condition, event or need the person has to communicate. Examples are to make money, solidify a job position, or keeping in touch with family. These can be positive or negative.
Using this as an example, my purpose is to help bloggers write more effectively and learn at the same time. The occasion is my desire to interact with others and the selfish goal of keeping focused when I write. My audience is mostly mainstream people who will eventually write online but read blogs, mentioned how some blogs miss the mark and will benefit from the ability to pick better bloggers to read. My topic is the rhetoric situation and me, the writer, hopefully used an objective yet authoritative tone (haha).
Summary
- Five elements that influence: writer, topic, reader, purpose, and occasion.
- The bloggers’ personality and interests affect what is written.
- A rhetoric situation occurs every time a blogger writes.
- Pick a topic you are passionate about.
- If the writer does not fulfill the needs of the reader, the writer will be unable to gain or maintain readers.
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