12: Trackback Composition Ideas

I'm thinking about addressing audience. I know that some other classmates are addressing this too, so I may try to think of something else. The reason why I want to talk about audience is because I am very intrigued in how society has steadily accepted more and more types of people into the considered audience. In some ways it is parallel with the progression of civil rights. I definitely want to connect the two a little bit as well as address the influence of technology and globalism on today's definition of audience. This subject starts with Aristotle and develops many times throughout history to become the audience we know today. I do appreciate the acceptance of a more varied audience and I think that it has brought to light how much just one person can contribute to an idea or issue.

I may try writing a report, but I do not feel that my writing skills are very strong. Instead I will probably do a multi-modal piece or short film. I definitely want to incorporate lots of images to visually show the evolution of "audience." I am also still reading up on rhetors and deciding which ones to use.

11: Shifting Language Leads to Shifting Instruction

If language is ever shifting, and if we have more recently seen a massive shift in communication practices both in terms of presentation tools and global connections, how should rhetoric shift in terms of its instruction?

I think that in teaching rhetoric we need to be very hands-on and have our students practice these "shifts" by demonstrations. If how we communicate is mostly electronic then we need to incorporate these electronic methods into our teaching. Students should be given various options on how to complete an assignment, so they can better express themselves and practice using today's technology. By doing this, most likely students would have more passion or interest in their assignments because we are "keeping up to date" with the times. PowerPoint presentations, multi-modal pages, social media, blogs, and webcasts are things that could be incorporated into the classroom. Things used in the business world and modes used in personal communication are all important for young people to learn and use correctly. Just because we are using different modes to communicate, doesn't mean we stop teaching traditional elements of communication. When students have these basic fundamentals they can use these new communication modes even better. Because technology is evolving so quickly, most likely people will use these new modes regardless if they actually know how to or not. It is more effective if we incorporate these things into the classroom so people can use these things to their full potential and in the best possible manner.

10: Renaissance and Abundant Style

Review my notes on some readings from rhetoric of the Renaissance. What is abundant style, and in what ways is it relevant today in education and/or the workplace? Provide an example.

After reading Erasmus, Abundant Style to me means having the ability to express oneself in different ways based on our word choice so that we can enrich what we are saying. The notes from Wikipedia that Dr. Rice provided said that it was to "embellish, amplify, and give variety to speech and writing." So Abundant Style is basically putting Copia into practice. Erasmus talked about having list of words, definitions, metaphors, similes etc. ready at hand to use to express a sentence in different ways, while maintaining the original meaning. He said that some words hold more power or may be better suited for a situation and that is why it is important to be able to express things in various ways. Thus, we must have an abundant supply of these things. We all want our words and expressions to have meaning. No one wants to hear a lot of repetition or rambling. Erasmus said we should rely on expression and subject matter to guide our embellishments.

This is still very relevant today. It relates to Kairos, saying the right thing at the right place at the right time. Dependent on how we express our thoughts, may be the deciding factor of gaining a client, selling a car, creating an international partner, or even getting a job. We are constantly picking and choosing how we want to phrase something based on the context of the situation. Very quickly our brain has to decide how to express something by running through the options of vocabulary, metaphors, synonyms etc. we have stored over the years. The more well-read a person is, the more they have stored away and have to choose from.

Example:  
The girl got a hair cut.

The oldest girl of the family, still very much young at heart, went to the salon to try a new spring look, which ended up being a pixie-bob cut of some sorts matching her bubbly personality beautifully.

9: Dialectic Ideas

My idea for this dialect is to come to the conclusion that "Translation is not literal" through the use of video. I am thinking of portraying an American and a German conducting some type of interview. Through the discourse there will be difficulties in language barriers and context. I am trying to include some stereotypes that Americans may have of Germans and vice versa. I am definitely open to suggestions on this part. I've never made a video either, so this will be a challenge in itself for me.

I am still working out the details and the script, but I like this topic because I don't think people fully grasp this concept unless they've experienced it. As rhetors we always have to be careful not to do this when dealing with a global audience. I am always looking for constructive criticism, so please be open with your feedback.

8: ars dictamis... a few paragraphs

To Dr. Rice, by divine grace resplendent in Ciceronian Charm, Mira, inferior to his great knowledge and devoted learning, expresses obedient honorable service.

My passion for learning transcends into the thrill of teaching students what I have learned. Although my experience is limited to tutoring and Supplemental Instructor sessions at the Undergraduate level, this program would enable me to broaden my knowledge base and prepare me for a wider range of teaching.

Studying International Business introduced me to how culture impacts our relations with one another. Our interactions with different social classes, businesses, and economies are all influenced by differences and similarities in culture. Because of this, we have to adapt how we approach the entities of varying cultures. By studying Technical Communication, not only do I gain more insight into handling different audiences, but I can put the knowledge I already attain into practice.

To be a successful professor, a vast knowledge of the Technical Communication field must be known. This program offers this generalized experience and also presents areas of specialization. As mentioned before, my area of interest is the impact of culture or intercultural writing. Through this reputable program I wish to learn how to write, edit, and design cultural-specific marketing material.

...

Your humble applicant,

Mira Allen

7: Questions from India

What do you think of India?

Honestly, I don't know much about India. When I think of it, I think of a very crowded place that has people walking and riding bicycles everywhere. I think of a mixed culture full of vibrant colors and textures. A place of beautiful people and animals. Rich history, various religions, strong tradition and a large family structure also come to mind. 

What's it like to be an American?

Being an American, I really appreciate the freedom that we have over our own life. Our career, religion, education, relationships, and lifestyle are all things we make decisions about everyday. Once we are 18, it's our life and we can go anywhere. Sometimes all of these life decisions become stressful, and it seems like we have too many options to choose from to make any kind of decision. Then the little things in life get forgotten and we take a lot of things for granted, until something happens and we get a reality check and remember how much our lives are blessed. After that, life doesn't seem as stressful and we are back on track with living our lives one decision at a time.

Is "home" related to identity? How?

I think "home" is definitely related to identity. As a child my family moved a lot. The only constant thing in my life is/was going to Germany to visit my Oma (grandma). Any time I think of "home" I think of Germany. It's a place I miss when I'm not there and yearn to go back to every year. Other things in my life constantly change, but my "home" doesn't change, it just evolves. For me, as a child, I wanted a sense of stability that I could come back to after being on all of my adventures. My dad was gone a lot for work and my mom instilled a lot of the German traditions in us. Part of my identity is the German side of me, even though I live in the U.S. Everyone seeks something out, and once they find it, it becomes part of their identity and part of their "home".

Can chaos in the home be productive?

Some people can only find sense when they're in the chaos. In this sense chaos in the home can be very productive. Sometimes chaos teaches people patience and the ability to let things go. Chaos can teach some very important life lessons that if taught in the home will help a person for the rest of their life.

What is my idea of homelessness?

The societal definition of homelessness in the U.S. is when someone is living out on the streets without a permanent structure to go to every night where one can eat, sleep, and bathe. I agree with this definition, but I also believe there is another version of homelessness, an emotional state. If someone is left feeling completely alone and abandoned, with no one to relate to or talk to, then this can be a sense of homelessness. They do not have a sense of belonging anywhere, or a support structure. These things usually come from the members of a "home," therefore not having them leaves someone "homeless".

What is the role of language in the "home"?

Language in the home is used to communicate discoveries, adventures, frustrations, opportunities, dreams, failures, thoughts, curiosities, criticisms, knowledge and feelings. Hopefully your "home" is a place where you feel comfortable sharing anything through the use of language. 

What are five things which home means?

1. Family
2. Love
3. Security
4. Happiness
5. Discovery of oneself

6: Feedback on Philosophies

This week I gave feedback to Lancia, Casey, and David R.

5: Feedback

http://chaoticinfinities.blogspot.in/2014/09/introduction.html#comment-form

http://vijayashoka.blogspot.in/2014/09/paragraph-1-home.html

http://manishakoppala.blogspot.in/2014/09/home-is-you.html#comment-form

After reading these posts, I was a little surprised of some of the writing and grammar skills presented. I hope that I was able to provide adequate feedback, but I don't know if what I said will be helpful to them. One thing I did notice in the style is that a lot of the students used a lot of descriptive writing. Most of them were really good at describing Home, but establishing a thesis was more difficult.

4: Philosophy Statement Approach

Describe your "philosophy statement" approach to the first assignment. Which rhetors are you thinking of using, and why?

After the discussions in class and reading Dr. Rice's philosophy statement, I think that I will focus just on communication in the workplace. Although I want to teach some day, I don't think I have enough experience or insight to make a teaching philosophy at this point.

As Dr. Rice put it, we should focus on our beliefs or core values for this assignment. When I think of communicating in the workplace, to me it is most effective when these three things are considered and acted upon:  diversity, intercultural awareness, and usability.

Although diversity and intercultural awareness can be similar, I think that they are separate and powerful factors in communication. Being aware of cultural differences and similarities is important in order to connect with other audiences. To the know the values, beliefs, and traditions of another society may be the key to landing the big contract or successfully advertising your company's new product line. Having a diverse group around you is also imperative. If everyone thought the same and had the same background, innovation would be hindered. Having people question one another keeps everyone on their toes and alert. It's when the best ideas develop. Lastly, I chose usability because I think that too many times important members of the team are left out because the information is not communicated in a successful, usable manner. Usability needs to be considered in the growing use of technology. Almost every part of the world we can now be reached, but is it being reached successfully? This is a short synopsis of why I chose these three values. What are your thoughts?

As far as rhetors go, I definitely relate to Aristotle. Appealing to the audience using pathos, logos, and ethos I think is essential in communication, with the audience being the most vital part of the communication. I also agree with Quintilian with his instruct, move, and charm methods. Also in his thinking that an effective orator has quality in his speaking and the emphasis he puts on education. I know my values and the rhetors I'd like to use, I am just trying to figure out how to tie everything together.

3: Rhetoric in 9/11

What Rhetoric do you remember being employed during and in the aftermath of 9/11?

Well on September 11, 2001 I was sitting in my fifth grade classroom. All of a sudden one of the teachers came running in with tears streaming down her face and she said the Twin Towers have been hit. My teacher gets up in a panic and lines us all up to head down to the library to watch the TV.

At this point there wasn't much discussion or even talking for that matter. The adults were in shock and us kids were confused with what was going on. Once we reached the library all I remember is seeing live footage of the aftermath, the flames and panicking people, and the replay of the airplane hitting the towers.

On the bus ride home everyone was quite again. We were all listening to the radio. I still wasn't sure of what had happened. When I got home, my mom sat me down and explained to me what was going on. After that I began to worry, because my dad was on the east coast for his job. Thankfully he was safe.

During this time, there wasn't any persuasion going on. The people were already persuaded. We had an enemy, a War on Terrorism, that united the entire country. The days following I remember seeing people pray and gather together to support one another. I heard about all of the heroes on TV and the supportive speeches being made about our fallen citizens. 

As far as rhetoric goes, a lot of symbols were used in the process of communicating to the citizens:  TV footage of aftermath, replays of the crash, interviews with family members of the fallen, images of the American flag. Some speeches were persuasive in nature when it came to discussing the action the U.S. was prepared to take. When addressing this pathos was used significantly. The audience was extremely important in this case because it was not only U.S. citizens, but the entire world, even the ones who attacked us.

As far as introductions, I liked Borchers' introduction best. It was the easiest for me to follow, especially since I do not have a strong background in Rhetoric. It gave good breaking points to stop and think about the points made or to take a rest. I don't have a long attention span, so I need this. I started reading Herrick's introduction before the class started, but stopped after the book was changed. I really liked the introduction as far as I read. It was intriguing and Herrick really grabbed my attention.

2: Characteristics of Rhetoric and Cultural Differences

What are the most important characteristics of rhetoric, and what have you learned about non-western rhetoric which is new to you?

The characteristics of rhetoric, as described in chapter 1, include:  symbols, audience, probable truth, invention and analysis. 

Interestingly enough the symbols we use within communicating rhetorically play a huge impact in the way our message is received by our audience. These symbols are mostly non-verbal indicators that help the audience connect to the speaker and help paint a picture in their mind of what is being discussed. Symbols may include letters, images or even gestures. Careful consideration must be taken into account when using symbols, because when used we are allowing the audience to put their own meaning behind what they are seeing or hearing. Sometimes their interpretation may be different than what is intended because of their experience and knowledge about the symbol. Careful audience analysis and knowledge assumptions must be made in order to choose the correct symbol usage for your audience. Variations may be needed in the explanation of the symbols depending on the knowledge level of the audience.

Audience in a rhetorical situation is very important. Our use of rhetoric is to accomplish something and that cannot be done without the people. We commonly use rhetoric to inform and persuade. In order to accomplish this, we must be familiar with our audience and study how to be successful with different kinds of audiences. Our main issue is to capture the attention of our audience, so they will listen to what we have to say. This may be a difficult journey depending on the type and size of audience. To inform or persuade an audience, it is important that they become active listeners and eventually even participate in the discussion so they have the information to make their own decisions.

In our culture we determine what is probably true based on what we here from our community and research ourselves. As a society, we are presented with some facts and based on those facts we make an informed decision about our view point of the truth. It is difficult to report the whole truth, because anything that cannot be proven is scrutinized to some subjectivity. Today we are able to question authority and ask our own questions, which makes finding out what we accept as the truth a little bit easier.

Invention and analysis of rhetoric refer to the effect of communication in our everyday lives. Rhetoric today influences our decisions, our values, and our lifestyle. There are so many different mediums for communication that we are continually being influenced without even knowing it. It is important to analyze communication and see how much media is inventing ourselves compared to us consciously making life decisions based on our own needs and wants without outside influences.

The thing I found most interesting in non-western rhetoric is that all three cultures we discussed look to a higher being or spiritual power to guide them through their communication. It seems in western rhetoric we follow the democratic way of thinking and use the separation of church and state almost as a guideline. No where in our studies has it said that we look for something spiritual to guide us. We are relying on our own knowledge and skills. There may be some rhetorical situations where we include spiritual guidance, especially in the church, but it doesn't seem to dominate our communication structure.

1: Principles of Rhetoric in My Life

In what ways do you use principles of rhetoric in your teaching, research, service, and/or grant writing today? Where might some of those principles come from, historically?

Well since I am not doing teaching, research or grant writing, I will tell you how the principles of rhetoric are used in my everyday job. I work at TJ Maxx, so customer service, and I am constantly dealing with people. Even though my job takes place in the back room, I am coordinating with my co-workers and using the principles of rhetoric through instruction, conversation and persuasion.

It is to everyone's benefit and our self-interest to get the product off the truck and onto the floor as quickly as possible. Although we all have a common interest, the audience is so small that we must cater to each individual when relaying a message. Thus when communicating, the correct balance of logos, ethos, and pathos must be presented to the individual for the message to be successful and interpreted correctly. Assumptions are made based on the skills and experience we already have and that is the building block of the conversation. The coordinator on duty has established ethos. Reason is critical with the team because we have to perform the task sufficiently based on the message communicated. It is easier to accomplish something when we know the reason behind it and when it makes sense to us. Because of the type of environment and fast-paced work, Aristotle's preparation list of invention, arrangement, style, memory and delivery may not always be traditionally followed and it is definitely a more modern category of public speech than what he initially categorized.

The art of persuasion is also used when I am out on the sales floor helping customers. When I am making my rounds, my audience analysis is done by watching the way customers are behaving and their non-verbal indicators. If a customer needs assistance with an item or has a question, it is my job to inform and persuade them about the item. In these cases the arrangement, style and delivery of my discourse is very important. Since I am a sales clerk I already have pre-established ethos, but the success of the sell is determined by how well I used my words and non-verbals to appeal to the customer's emotions and logic. This sequence of discourse also exemplifies Eighteenth Century rhetorical theory of appealing to our "human nature."