Rhetorical Situations - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University

Understanding Rhetorical Situations

• Definition of Rhetorical Situation: Any set of circumstances involving at least one person using communication to modify the perspective of another person.
• Defining Rhetoric:
  • Broadly defined as any communication used to modify the perspectives of others.
  • More specifically, it is an awareness of the language choices communicators make.
  • It is a vital skill for creating and assessing messages effectively across all fields.
• Historical Context:
  • Traditionally, rhetoric was defined by Aristotle as "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion."
  • This traditional view often leads to negative connotations, such as associating rhetoric with manipulation, trickery, or lying.
• Modern Evolution (Identification):
  • Contemporary rhetorical theory has moved beyond simple "persuasion."
  • It now emphasizes "identification"—the methods people use to understand things from one another’s perspectives and bridge differences in perception.
• Educational Resources:
  • The Purdue OWL provides supplementary media, including a 14-minute video titled "In Defense of Rhetoric: No Longer Just for Liars" (produced by Clemson University graduate students).
  • Understanding these concepts is intended to help writers become more audience-focused, organized, and convincing.