Visual Rhetoric (Homework for 3-4 at the bottom)

Visual Rhetoric is the application of rhetorical principles onto visual spaces. Think about our rhetorical triangle:

The three points have different meanings depending on what we're talking about. For arguments, we look at ethos/pathos/logs; for interactions, we look at speaker/message/audience; for methods, we look at writer/reason/appeal. Each of these characteristics occurs within a rhetorical situation (the box), which means that we need to consider how the circumstances of the argument shape and constrain the tools at our disposal. Finally, the central focus of the argument is the purpose/kairos/decorum-- in other words: why are we arguing? What do we hope to achieve?

Visual rhetoric is important because we transmit and receive information visually. Consider how this image, which explains the different types of coffee preparations, might be presented in text. Is there any way for text to compete with the simplicity and effectiveness of a visual presentation?

Visual elements can also come with downsides, however, when they aren't considered. Let's break down each of these ads according to our rhetorical triangle, and then consider how the juxtaposition of them creates a different message:

So considering visual rhetoric is important, and failing to consider it can be devastating.

For homework on Thursday, please consider some websites your frequent. How are they structured? What is the purpose? What is the audience? What is the company's ethos? How do all these considerations affect the structure? Does the website make good or bad rhetorical choices? Please do this for two similar/competing websites, and analyze which worked best in a 350+ word blog post.