Applying the Rhetorical Writing Process NOTE: To begin viewing this slideshow presentation, click on the “Slide Show” Tab, above, then click on “From Beginning.” English 111 Aug. 28, 2014

What is Rhetoric? Rhetoric is the science and art of using language effectively Study Thinking Practice Doing Speaking Writing One’s effectiveness at using language can be measured in a variety of ways but usually involves… convincing an audience to think or act differently, or Using language to succeed at your purpose(s) or goal(s). This is something we all do, at some level, as users of language. A class on Rhetoric, like this one, is focused on making you aware or conscious of the choices and actions you do take and the choices and actions you could be taking in order to make your language use (your writing, in this class) more effective.

What is Writing Process? Writing Process is simply the steps we take to accomplish some goal through writing. There is no single writing process that everybody follows. Each of us has our own individual writing processes, the various things each of us personally do to generate writing that accomplishes our purposes. These patterns and habits change depending on… What we are trying to accomplish How much time we have Our experience at writing Our education or training in writing Our grasp of written language But there are a number of stages or steps we probably all do, even if just briefly, whenever we write.

What is Writing Process? Whenever you write, you are likely to think about the following: Purpose: Your goals or what you are trying to accomplish – in particular, thinking about the kind of effect you’d like to have on your audience. Context: The immediate situation (time, place, & circumstances) you are dealing with that makes writing necessary or expedient, as well as subject matter you are dealing with. THINKING Audience: Who you are writing to, as well as their characteristics, needs, and interests.

What is Writing Process? Whenever you write, you are likely to take action on the following: Media: The tool(s) you’ll use to write and get what you’re writing out to others, as well as what those tools make possible for you. Strategies: The specific language and language patterns (such as arguments, description, narration, summary, persuasive appeals, etc.) you’ll use to accomplish your goal(s). DOING Arrangement: The order or pattern your language will take within your writing in order to effectively communicate to your audience.

What is Writing Process? In addition to these, there are some other stages or steps to consider when writing: Genre: The kind, type, or style of writing you will attempt to produce and that your audience expects to see. This affects both how you think about your writing and Invention Invention: Coming up with the ideas, information, and knowledge you’ll include in your writing, often through research. genre Testing: Pitching your ideas or showing your writing to others for feedback, then incorporating that feedback into your writing plans.