Aristotle's Rhetoric Equation

About yesterday:

      "Smart practice always includes a feedback loop that lets you recognize errors and correct them -- which is why dancers use mirrors. Ideally that feedback comes from someone with an expert eye and so every world-class sports champion has a coach. If you practice without such feedback, you don't get to the top ranks.
      The feedback matters and the concentration does, too -- not just the hours. ..."

The Hidden Driver of Excellence

Author: Daniel Goleman

I.  Today we start with a prezi.

Audience + Purpose + Genre = Style (how it looks) and Content (what it says)

We look at p. 15 in Bedford and consider the equation for each. Witch is more effective?

II. Now we look at your examples.

In your daybook, create a chart for each of the terms in the "equation" and your direction examples that you brought to class, like this:

MP3 Player:
Audience-
Purpose-
Genre-
Style-
Content-
Effectiveness:

After filling in your chart, think about the effectiveness of each of your examples. What specific choices in style and content work or do not work?


III. Your first writing project is writing directions for a small Lego creation. I give you the directions now.

You will pick out pieces today and begin work on creating your directions. On Monday there will be class time for typing the directions, and on Tuesday you will build each other's projects (NO PICTURES ALLOWED -- just written directions).

On Wednesday you will build each other's REVISED directions, and on Thursday you will hand in the final version of your directions and all Legos.


Homework:

1. Fill at least one page (one side) in your daybook describing a situation where you experienced written communication (any genre) that was a rhetorical fail. This piece of writing failed to achieve its purpose. As you describe what happened, try to analyze what the specific problems were, based on today's discussions -- audience/purpose/genre/content/style. (Not due until daybook check.)

2. Read the green sheets thoroughly. Create a rough draft of your directions on the green sheet. If you wish you may type up your directions, but be ready with access to the document to revise on Monday during class. Also either draw your answer key diagram, or take pictures to print.

3. TWFTD: rhetoric

4. There is one spelling error (that I know of) in today's blog. Record it in your daybook.