According to Pierce, a message is rhetorical when produces or encourages change, even if that was not the intended effect of the speaker. In Com 152, we were asked to give both a informational and persuasive speech. Both of these speeches used rhetorical language. The persuasive speech would be an example of a rhetorical message intending to persuade an audience. The informational speech could be an example of a rhetorical message without the intention of creating action. For both of my speeches, I spoke about the non-profit organization Invisible Children and the ongoing war in Northern Uganda.
For the informational speech, I strictly spoke about important statistics and facts of the war. I explained this war has been ongoing for the last 22 years and it has displaced many people. I mentioned how many of the children are stolen and forced to fight and kill their families and neighbors. The Lord's Resistance Army(LRA) has abducted 66,000 children so far. I mentioned that the war was started by the LRA as a response to the political powers. Throughout this speech, I talked a lot about the effect of the war on the people and how it was such a detrimental experience; however, I never suggested ways the audience could help.
Instead of using facts and statistics in the persuasive speech, I resorted to explaining ways in which the audience could help. I suggested participating in programs such as Schools for Schools, the Tri campaign, and the book drives. I also mentioned attending the Displace me event, where thousands of people imitate the displaced. This speech was rhetorical because I asked them to help Africa, to make a change, and to take action. Even though I did not do this in the informative speech, it is quite possible change could have come about because it is such an emotional subject.
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