Rhetorical Modes of Persuasion

In identifying and describing rhetorical modes of persuasion, I selected an advertisement commercial that showed a father, mother and daughter telling a slow motion imitation story about driving without a seat belt.

The commercial began with the father sitting in a chair as if he was driving a car. For a few seconds everything appeared to be happy and serene. The initial scene was obviously one of happiness and contentment with his wife and daughter looking on as the father is taking a drive. This loving family picture depicted by the commercial definitely plays on our emotions of family, love, togetherness and support. In a matter of seconds it was evident that a problem had occurred with the father during his drive. There was fear on the father’s face and this panic transferred to the mother and daughter as they looked on in disbelief that an accident was about to happen. It became evident the father was not wearing a seat belt as his wife and daughter began moving toward him. The mother and daughter symbolized a seat belt as they both began locking their arms around his waist and his shoulders forming a human seat belt. There was a huge sense of relief when the mother and daughter came to his rescue.

By creating this sense of love, family, fear, danger, and relief, it is evident that this commercial played heavily on a strong pathos mode as their primary tool for persuasion. The message that we receive is that if we love our family, we will wear our seat belt. The scene of the mother and daughter playing the role of the seat belt signifies the logos mode by playing on our logic and reason. The underlying meaning is one of logos mode, as we all know statistics show we have a much better chance of surviving an accident if we wear a seat belt. The weakest mode portrayed by this commercial is the ethos mode. There is no famous character or authority figure, however, the love and strength of the family becomes the central characters and authority in this commercial by portraying the seat belt. After viewing this commercial at http://adland.tv/commercials/ssrp-sussex-safer-roads-partnership-embrace-life-2010-90-uk , if this doesn't encourage you to wear a safety belt, I don’t know what would.

My Personal Process For Writing

As I reflect on my own personal composing process for academic papers or creative writing, my first thought is that I like to start in plenty of time. It drives me crazy if I am caught up in a time crunch to get finished. I like to sit down at my kitchen table, spread all my books and notes out around me, and turn my iPod on to some nice relaxing classical music. My next step is to brainstorm the subject matter and maybe even do some research on the web that's pertaining to the topic. It’s also helpful for me to have a paper and pen close by because I seem to do my best thinking when I’m actually scribbling or doodling on a pad. I also like to have a lot of potential ideas about a specific starting point for my paper before I actually begin the writing process. An outline also seems to help me organize my thoughts into what I actually want to say. The most difficult step for me always seems to be getting that first starting sentence on paper. Once I’m happy with my opening sentence, I begin to look for other pertinent information to back up or support this statement. Because, I’m such a perfectionist, it’s very unusual for me to complete a paper at the first sitting. I typically get started and then think about it 24-7 until I finally complete the project. Actually it’s very difficult to get it out of mind until I put the finishing touches on the paper. It’s a great feeling when I finally push my chair back and say: “Yahoo, that’s it, I’m finished!

Who Am I?

In response to the article, "Who Am I",it was interesting for me to learn in the first paragraph that a writer’s craft includes their ability to create the mood, tone and voice of the reading. I have always liked to read certain author’s books, such as Nicolas Sparks, however, for the first time; I think I understand why. I like an author who can create this formal or informal mood the article talks about. With me, if I don’t get engaged within the first few pages, the author will lose me. As I reflect on this author’s ability to describe the setting, I hope I can create this same type of atmosphere with my own writing.

Wow! The comments in the “Dear Diary” entry nailed me to a tee. How did she know what I was thinking? I have all these wonderful thoughts in my mind, however, when I try to capture them on paper, I fear my thoughts will be wrong or make no sense to the reader. I have found that if I walk away from the pen and paper, my thoughts just flow without stopping. The quote from Maureen O’Leary is true, when I start to put my thoughts on paper; I know it is the “least of my individual voice”. I know practice will help build the confidence I need to capture my audience.

It’s evident from the article that communication and clarity is the goal of good writing, however, it’s the voice that gives it the spice. My goal this semester is to improve confidence in my writing skills and find my own personal voice.