Description
As we continue to progress through our discussions of rhetoric and persuasion, we can begin to notice that persuasion occurs in more than one form. That is, it is not just speaking or writing where we might encounter persuasion.
With that in mind, and still thinking about “rhetorical situations,” we can begin to think also about how the platform, technology or interface might change persuasion or the rhetorical strategy.
We could label this as the following:
Modalities = the different platforms or technologies that allow for certain forms of persuasion.
With this broad concept, we can begin to think of any text as also containing a modality. An image, an email, a conversation, an article, and the like are different formats, platforms or technologies that help communication.
In day-to-day life, it might be said that we experience forms of “multimodality,” that is, in communication we both interpret and create meaning across different technologies or platforms.
Hence, for this writing task the goal is to focus on modalities and how they might modify forms of communication or persuasion.
Consider the following:
Name and give an example of three different modalities that you engage on a day-to-day basis. These can be any type of modality. Much like the idea of “text,” the term “modality” helps us think about a variety of different platforms or technologies without limiting what those might be.
For each example, consider how the modality creates a certain kind of persuasion.
In considering persuasion, describe this persuasion with the terms we have so far studied: rhetoric, persuasion, rhetorical situation, tropes, ethos, pathos, logos, kairos.
Finally, reflect upon how persuasion might change depending on the modality. Are some modalities better suited for different rhetorical strategies?
Format
At least three different modalities at approx. 250 words for a total of approx. 750 words
