Post 6: Rhetorical Strategies

     In Janet Boyd's essay, "Murder! Rhetorically Speaking," she offers an unique approach to understanding rhetoric. She presents a hypothetical murder scenario, inviting her readers to participate in the rhetorical process. By skillfully employing various rhetorical strategies, she explains and demonstrates the power of language and its impact on meaning. One of Boyd's primary strategies is the use of rhetorical situations. By placing readers in different roles like detective, coroner, eulogist, she highlights how the same set of facts can be interpreted and presented. This interactive approach makes the concept of rhetoric relatable. As Boyd states:

"Here I offer my definition: rhetoric is what allows you to write (and
speak) appropriately for a given situation, one that is determined by
the expectations of your audience, implied or acknowledged, whether
you are texting, writing a love letter, or bleeding a term paper." (Boyd, p.100)

    While Boyd's essay is persuasive, its effectiveness may vary depending on how familiar the reader is with rhetoric. For individuals unfamiliar with the concept and just starting to learn, the interactive approach can be illuminating and engaging. But, for those already educated in rhetoric, the essay may offer a fresh perspective but may not provide groundbreaking insights.  Through her skillful use of rhetorical strategies and interactive approach, she successfully demonstrates the power of language and its ability to shape meaning.

 

Works Cited

Boyd, Janet, et al. “Murder! (Rhetorically Speaking).” Writing Spaces Reading on Writing, edited by Charles Lowe and Pavel Zemliansky, vol. 2, Parlor Press, 2011, pp. 87–101.


 



Comments

  1. Clint WilsonNovember 12, 2024 at 3:16 PM

    Tyler, Great point in highlighting how Janet appeals to both the educated reader and to the reader who may have zero knowledge of the subject(s). I also enjoyed her interactive approach where it drew the reader into participating in the works, not just reading.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Consuela2017November 13, 2024 at 5:18 PM

    Hey Tyler, This was a great blog read. The part I enjoyed the most was when you pointed out how Boyd used the Murder scenario to have her readers participate in the essay. That's a way for them to apply what she wrote in one of their writings, too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AvionceNovember 16, 2024 at 4:04 PM

    Your analysis of Boyd's essay is so right. The hypothetical murder scenario is such an engaging way to introduce the concept of rhetoric. By placing readers in different roles, she effectively shows how the same set of facts can be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the rhetorical situation. This method really drives home the point that rhetoric is about understanding and adapting to your audience.

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