The Rhetorical Situation: Exigence and Kairos

The Rhetorical Situation

Introduction

  • The rhetorical situation is the driving force behind rhetoric and writing.
  • In real-world scenarios, writing assignments arise from life events rather than academic mandates.
  • The rhetorical situation comprises two key components: exigence and kairos.

Exigence

  • Exigence is the event or realization that prompts a response.
  • Examples:
    • Overhearing a conversation in a restaurant.
    • Reading something that provokes a question or response.
    • Experiencing a frustrating event like being cut off in traffic.
  • In a writing context, exigence is often receiving a paper prompt.
  • The need to respond in writing stems from the assignment itself.

Kairos

  • Kairos is one of the two Greek words for time, and involves context and opportunity.
  • Chronological time vs. Kairotic time:
    • Chronological time: Linear progression of events.
    • Kairotic time: Specific moments of significance within that timeline.
  • Kairos also relates to the 'weather' or prevailing conditions.
  • Kairos is how one chooses to respond to the moment of exigence, meaning leveraging the conditions to achieve an optimal outcome.
  • Traffic Example: Getting cut off in traffic (exigence) can lead to various responses (kairos).
    • Unhelpful Kairos:
      • Expressing anger (honking, gesturing).
      • Seeking revenge (cutting them off).
      • Intimidation (road rage).
    • Helpful Kairos:
      • Focus on preventing future occurrences.
      • Contacting authorities with factual evidence.
      • Gathering data on accidents, presenting arguments to the police or city government.

Real-World Application of Kairos

  • Changes like new traffic lights or speed limits result from coherent arguments presented to the appropriate entities.
  • Effective kairos involves:
    • Collecting relevant material.
    • Collaborating with the right people.
    • Presenting information to the right audience.

Summary

  • The rhetorical situation combines exigence (the impetus to respond) and kairos (the strategic response to achieve a goal).
  • Recognizing and acting on these moments is crucial for effective communication.
  • While a paper assignment might be the exigence in class, the real world presents more complex scenarios.