Introduction to Rhetoric and the Rhetorical Situation

Rhetoric is defined as the study of effective, persuasive language use.
The power of words is demonstrated historically following the assassination of Martin Luther King Junior, where riots broke out in 100 cities in The US, but not in Memphis, Tennessee (where King spoke on 04/03/1968) or Indianapolis, Indiana.
Tim Wendel noted that many attributed the lack of violence in these areas to the words spoken to the listening crowds.
Understanding rhetoric provides skills that apply to college, general communication, and AP Language and Composition assessments, such as the rhetorical analysis essay and the multiple choice exam.

Exigence: What prompted the message to be spoken or written in the first place.
Purpose: Why the speaker is conveying a message.
Audience: Who the speaker is speaking to, including their background knowledge and attitude.
Context: The circumstances surrounding the situation.
Writer: Who is doing the writing/speaking and their established persona.
Message: What the writer wants the audience to think or to know.

Rhetorical Triangle: Focuses on the interaction between the speaker, audience, and purpose to determine the language choices, tone, and structure of an argument.
SOAP Stone: An acronym framework utilized to analyze and delve deeper into the rhetorical situation of a text.
Writers adjust their tone (e.g., formal, inspirational, sarcastic) based on the specific dynamics of the rhetorical situation.

Exigence: The assassination of Martin Luther King Junior.
Purpose: To inform the crowd that doctor King had been assassinated, to eulogize him, and to honor his memory.
Audience: Residents of Indianapolis, Indiana who were attending a political rally.
Context: 04/04/1968, right after the assassination of doctor King, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Writer: Democratic presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, brother of John f Kennedy.
Message: A reminder of King's message of peace and nonviolence.