Rhetorical analysis readings

This week’s readings were longer than I really had time for this week. Not so much because of the amount of pages, but because of the amount of information I wanted to focus on in those pages. This seems to be what our focus is to be about for this class as well as the final project. “Rhetorical Analysis” again talked about the Ethos, Pathos, and Logos, and how to examine arguments based on each one. In regard to Pathos, I liked that it stated that “emotions can add real muscle to arguments”. I found Aristotle’s basic structure of logical arguments to be “statements” and “proof”. While that is the  basics, in rhetorical analysis you are looking at so much more. You look at who is saying what, who are the saying it to, why are they saying it, who benefits from what is said, and on and on. I believe I will be going back to this chapter over and over again to better understand how to write a rhetorical analysis.

I found “Finding Evidence” to be very helpful not only for doing a rhetorical analysis, but for any research. I have mostly used printed works and a few online resources, but was not too familiar with all the sources that were in this chapter. I found helpful the information given on personal ways to gather evidence like, conducting interviews, observations, and surveys.

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Writing Project, Diversity, Underserved ‏

Writing Project, Diversity, Underserved

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Ron Vieira

8:18 PM

To: Ron Vieira

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From:	Ron Vieira (ron.vieira@hotmail.com)
Sent:	Sun 4/19/15 8:18 PM
To:	Ron Vieira (ron.vieira@hotmail.com)

 Dear Dr. Katherine Soule,

As a student enrolled in an academic writing course at Antioch University, I am tasked with contacting a professional and requesting an interview and three to five writing artifacts. Since I am a leader in your organization, I felt choosing you would both assist me in my course as well as give me insight into your goals and efforts to reach the underserved and achieve greater diversity within the 4-H Youth Development Program. Any writing artifacts - emails, reports, training presentation, or analysis - you would be able to share with me would be greatly appreciated. I will be examining the content, purpose, and arguments in your writings, as well as your intended audience. Along with your writing artifacts, I would also be requesting a 30-45 minute interview to better learn about you and  your writings. I would be honored if you were able to assist me with your writings and time. I will contact you to arrange a time hat will fit your busy schedule.

Thank you,

Ron Vieira
Playa Del Sur 4-H
Community Club Leader
839 Viewcrest Dr.
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 451- 4057
ron.vieira@Hotmail.com 

Electronic Messages

In “Writing Identities” we are again reminded to be aware of who our audience is.  Along with being aware of our audience, we must choose the correct identity in which to best meet their needs. Our identity needs to be suited to our audience. This was a great reminder to me as I must take on the identity of an event committee chair, a board member, or a leader dealing with youth. Each role I have has a different identity that I have to take on in order to successfully reach my audience. The reading shows how strongly your identity is connected to your Ethos.

“Crafting Messages for Electronic Media” seemed geared a little more toward the corporate world.  I did find a lot to be helpful, considering I’m not that comfortable communicating through emails. Creating effective subject line was very important to me. The overall section on emails will help me become more effective with the emailing communications that are required of me. Other than the blog we do for this class, I don’t do any blogging and I don’t take part in any podcast, so those sections didn’t mean too much to me at this point. The instant messaging that I take part in is very informal, I was unaware that it was done in business at a professional level.

“Crafting Electronic Messages” seemed to be another look at knowing your audience and purpose for your message. It touched on Ethos and establishing your credibility. I found the strategy for requests very helpful, and plan to review and use them with my requests for future fundraising event, board agenda items, and sponsorships.

Over all, these three readings will be a huge help for the upcoming assignment.  

Genres

I’m Ron. I have come to the point in my life where my focus is really on helping others and not so focused on myself. My passion has become working with young people and helping them believe in themselves, set goals, and find their success. I have been working with youth in the areas of leadership, citizenship and community service, and raising livestock. I find it very rewarding to see these middle school and high school students believe in themselves and do thing they never thought they could do. These young people are what is driving me to get a degree and become a counselor.

Being a visual learner, I found “Spaces for Writing” and “Why Rhetoric” an interesting change from textbooks. I liked the way they used images and text to explain their ideas. This is a method I use with the youth I work with, it keeps their attention and keep them engaged. It makes a great example of what they are trying to say in that writing rules can differ depending on your audience, purpose, or situation. I found the section on Ethos, Pathos, Logos, and Kairos interesting. I have never been taught any of that, but realized I employ them often in my communications with government officials, board members, parents, and youth.       

“Navigating Genres” was very informative and written in such a relaxing way. Kerry Dirk’s openness and easy reading style made learning about genres clear. The article shows how genres are used properly and in the appropriate setting, and touched on knowing your audience and considering the content. I felt that genre was explained very well through the ransom letter example. Again we were told about audience and purpose.

“Everything is an Argument” was very informative, but read too much like a textbook. The information was just introduced, an example was given, then moved to the next topic. I’m glad it was short.