Rhetorical exigence refers to the situation or problem that calls for a response in the form of rhetoric, or persuasive communication. It is the reason why a particular piece of rhetoric is created and what motivates the speaker or writer to address a specific audience.
Key Elements of Rhetorical Exigence:
* Urgency: The exigence must be pressing and require immediate attention.
* Audience: The exigence must be relevant to a specific audience that can be persuaded or influenced.
* Constraints: There are often limitations or constraints that shape the speaker's or writer's response, such as time, resources, social norms, or cultural beliefs.
* Purpose: The exigence should clearly define the speaker's or writer's goal in addressing the issue.
Example:
Imagine a politician giving a speech about climate change. The exigence is the urgent need to address the issue of climate change, which is impacting the environment and society. The audience is the public, who the politician aims to persuade to take action. Constraints might include the politician's limited time, the political climate, and the need to maintain a positive image. The purpose of the speech is to raise awareness, mobilize public support, and influence policy decisions.
Identifying Rhetorical Exigence:
* Analyze the context: What is the historical, social, or cultural background of the speech or text?
* Consider the speaker/writer: What is their motivation, purpose, and background?
* Examine the audience: Who is the intended audience, and what are their beliefs, values, and concerns?
* Identify the problem: What specific issue is being addressed?
Understanding rhetorical exigence is crucial for:
* Effective communication: By understanding the problem and the audience, speakers and writers can tailor their message to be more persuasive.
* Critical analysis: Analyzing rhetorical exigence allows readers and listeners to understand the motivations behind a piece of rhetoric and to evaluate its effectiveness.
* Creating compelling rhetoric: By identifying and addressing the relevant exigence, speakers and writers can craft more compelling and persuasive communication.