Blog #2

Before reading this chapter I had a preconceived notion about what I considered argument to be defined as. I believed argument to mean an art of persuasion, for example a way of communicating with someone to persuade them to share your beliefs. My interpretation about argument has changed drastically. It is no longer a simple fighting word; it is a multi faceted word that can achieve great things. Argument goes beyond what you say. It can be a statement that you believe that you are trying to convince others to believe. It is not just standing up for what you feel is right, argument can be trying to come up with the best solution while acknowledging different view points. I have realized that argument does not have to be close minded, it can be progressive. This chapter taught me that it is important to practice and learn about all types of arguments to be more effective when communicating. I did not expect this book to approach the word argument as they did, but I am pleased. A new perspective in the art of persuasion has come to me and I feel that it is imperative to be familiar with it in order to be an influential person.

I choose my magazine because I wanted substance and something that would give me a lot to work with. I also wanted to learn while I was using the magazine for analytical purposes. I felt this was the best magazine to assist me with in my assignments and the magazine that I would also learn the most from. A magazine that would hopefully not bore me was also a must when I chose my magazine.

Blog #1

This is not my first experience with the term rhetoric. It was used quite frequently in my English 101 class, which focused on the study of language. Having some experience with the term I feel I can enjoy Foss's definition because it covers all aspects, not just the written form. Foss defines rhetoric as a term that captures processes including: how we perceive, what we know, what we experience, and how we act, which are the results of our own symbol use and that of those around us. Ross states that "rhetoric is the human use of symbols to communicate". To me rhetoric is simply human expression. Expression that is communicated through human interaction. In order for humans to have a basis for understanding they have to share common symbols, thus the term rhetoric comes to play. Rhetoric goes beyond language; it incorporates meaning.

Google Definitions:
Skill in using language effectively and persuasively.
study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)