What do we mean by Visual Rhetoric?
Visual Rhetorical Moves
"Decoration"
very straightforward connection to the argument
not much creativity involved in choosing the image
"Illustration"
most creativity used in choosing the image (high creativity if they are original creations)
Argument via Juxtaposition
Parody
Considerations in Choosing Images
- Creativity
- Clarity
- Image Quality
- Tone
Creativity
Notice how little "logic" is being promoted.
Tone
- Does the tone remain consistent? If the tone shifts, are there clear reasons for the shift?
- Is the image evoking emotion? Is the emotion evoked appropriate for my rhetorical purpose(s)?
Images are often used to evoke emotion (appeal to pathos) but they also contribute to the general "mood" or tone of a presentation.
Image Quality
- Is the image evoking emotion?
- Is the emotion evoked appropriate for my rhetorical purpose(s)?