According to Keith Grant-Davie is it vital to examine rhetorical situations as sets of interacting influences from which rhetoric cases arises (Grant-Davie 104). This is the primary background of the author’s argument in his work. The author argues that a particular situation may give rise to differing actions, debates and opinions regarding how that particular issue ought to be addressed. A good example in the passage is the Sherwood sign board, which sparked debate concerning its legality and environmental, ethical issues. As such, it is important for writers or public speakers to identify and address the fundamental issues regarding a particular event in their writing to persuade healthy discussions from their audience/readers (Grant-Davie 107). However, I agree with Grant-Davie that given situations (constraints) may offer hindrance to rhetors who wish to pass a new message to the audience (Grant-Davie 111). As a writer or a reader it is essential to have a good understanding of the background, historical and political, economic and geographical significant of the event in order to have the comprehension of the message as a reader and as a writer to pass the message successfully to the audience.
Rhetorical situations can give rise to complex situations which can spark debate due to positive and negative constraint towards the message being communicated to the public (Grant-Davie 116). Thus, I agree with Grant-Davie that it is critical for the rhetoricians to assess the context of rhetorical instances and devise a mechanism of how to address these complexities, eliminate any divergent or negative opinions and encourage healthy discussions to enhance a common understanding on a particular issue.
Two discussions questions
Does the image of a speaker influence how the audience receives and understands the message being communicated?
For a writer to capture the interest of his/her audience, overcome situation constraints and ensure the message is received positively, is it necessary to conduct research on the perception, attitude and the environment of the audience before issuing the communication?
Work cited
Grant‐Davie, Keith. "Rhetorical situations and their constituents." Rhetoric Review 15.2 (1997): 264-79. Print.
