The Rhetorical Situation

Written by Dana Anderson

Most of us intuitively understand the rhetorical situations we face each day, but we rarely give them any thought.

Consider this.  You [the author] need to ask your parents [the audience] for money [the purpose].  It is the third time this semester that you have asked, and it is right before the holidays [the context]. Should you communicate with a text message, a phone call, an email, or a Facebook message, and should it be funny, serious, or heartfelt [text]?

This is a rhetorical situation.

Whenever we decide to write, whether it is a tweet, an essay for history class, or a text message to your parents asking for money, we face a rhetorical situation or set of elements that help shape the choices we make as writers.

The rhetorical situation consists of:

• Author: The writer of the communication
• Audience: The receiver of the communication
• Purpose: The goal of the communication
• Context: The surrounding setting, time, culture, and social discussions on the topic
• Text: The genre, organization, and style of communication
  • Genre is the form or shape
  • Writing strategies such as memoir, argument, or analysis help develop and organize the content
  • Style is created through elements such as tone, diction, and syntax

The rhetorical situation has evolved from the influential Greek philosopher Aristotle’s ideas on how rhetoric, using language effectively, functions.

Often, we give little thought to or automatically process the rhetorical situation.  However, effective writers carefully consider these elements and choose an approach to better communicate their ideas.

Returning to the scenario, you decide that the best way to convince your parents to send you money is through an honest email that explains why you are short on money.  You choose this genre because you know that your parents will read it at home after work and prefer email to texts.  You also thoughtfully write in a style that doesn’t sound demanding, but provide clear reasons why you need the money.  How could they say no to that?

That is the power of understanding and analyzing what shapes the rhetorical situation. It helps you create audience-centered communication in the genre and style best suited to achieve your purpose.

You will find more information on rhetoric in the next chapter.