Blog Post 15: ARCS chap 12, RT, Maria Stewart, pp. 1031-1044; Frederick Douglass, pp. 1061-1085

ARCS chap 12, RT, Maria Stewart, pp. 1031-1044; Frederick Douglass, pp. 1061-1085

In chapter 12, I think it’s interesting that the ancient rhetors value delivery more than reading and writing. Nowadays, we value less about delivery because print and digital computer make our life easier; we don’t need to memorize or recite our speech because we can read the print copy or the powerpoint out loud. But the importance of delivery does not disappear. Performers for TV shows, dramas, and movies value delivery a great deal because they need to recite the script and act out (by using gestures or facial expressions) in a performance. Musicians and singers also values delivery because need to memorize their music and songs in order to perform them to their audience. Cicero said there are difference between orators and actors. Orators act in real life while actors mimic reality (p. 327). But I think that oratory and mimicking are still very much alike because they both need to go through the process of memorization. I also think that they both can make the orator or the performer become more confident and outgoing. It is difficult to perform in front of a large number of audiences, thus through practice of oratory, a shy person will grow stronger and not afraid to show him or herself in front of people. Performing in front of a camera also can also challenge and empowers the performer. The ad Herennium author said delivery relies on volume, stability, and flexibility. I think that a delivery will not be successful without each of these three factors. I remember while I was answering a question from my instructor during class, my volume was too slow and it made it hard for my teacher to hear the answer. The Kairos could also influence my delivery. The fact that I sat too far away from my teacher also interrupt the clarity of my delivery. Voice can also impact the delivery. A light voice is easy to comprehend than a low and deep voice.

I think visual appeals can definitely make a speech more appealing to the audiences. Just think about how the pictures depicted in a movie attracts your attention. One advantage of digital computer based presentation is that you are able to depict visual rhetoric on screen, so that the audiences not only hears you talking about your argument but also sees it. You are both visually and vocally attracted by the argument. It is more effective than just reading a plain speech or just showing a picture. Visual appeals can also increase the emotional appeal to the argument. The audience is detached with oral speech maybe emotionally attracted by graphics, patterns and images.

        I’m impressed that Maria W. Stewart is able to overcome religious values against her, and creates her own rhetorical style. Her style is based on spirituality and beliefs of God. Stewart’s rhetoric also encourages social changes, feminism and movements against patriarchal system. I think it’s very interesting that she is an African American woman. I don’t know if women of color are facing issues of racism that time, but if they did, then I think it’s amazing that Stewart has followed her own desire to become a female rhetor, because it’s very likely that the society only accept male teachers and male rhetors.