The Rhetorical Process

Comparing the Rhetorical Process to my Own Communicating


After learning of the rhetorical process through Compose Design Advocate it was interesting to compare my own communication composition. When I communicate I usually just open my mouth and do so, but when talking about something I feel strongly about, I am able to morph my words into powerful statements. I think I would benefit from considering these steps because it would make me a much stronger communicator. I believe that there are three steps that would be most useful to me. 1) Having a specific purpose and getting across my thoughts, ideas and opinions. 2) Thinking about who I am talking with and what they expect from our communication. 3) Being aware of the larger context. By using these three steps I would be able to get my points across, while still being aware of my audience, expectations and the outcome.

I feel that if I were to use the step of arrangement in conversing with an individual I would have trouble coming up with strong points or things to say because my mind would be preoccupied with thinking about what I should say first. The step of arrangement is different for me when I am writing a paper or a speech because I always move things around. I read through it several times and see what sounds better where and I am constantly re-wording and changing sentences.

I think of myself as pretty creative person and I believe that shows though when I speak and write. The rhetorical process will give me many chances to show my creativity through communicating. I believe that I will use these steps in different ways, depending on if I am communicating through speaking or communicating through writing.