Rhetorical devices
The most effective way to discern the meaning of any message by an author or a speaker is to analyze the rhetorical devices utilized in the message. Rhetorical analysis breaks down the message given to an audience, and how the message is intended to impact the audience. In this context, outsourcing jobs is a practice that is utilized by many American corporations in modern day. Many speakers and writers have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of job outsourcing over the years (Harris, 2003). The audience always receive varying expressions from speakers and authors according to message the speaker intends to pass along.
The first step of rhetorical analysis is evaluation of the purpose and goal of the message. The message is important because every message has an ulterior purpose. For instance, while describing outsourcing, the speaker may intend to show the audience how outsourcing has brought detrimental effects to the society. The purpose of the message is to discredit outsourcing. In addition, the audience addressed by the speaker or author is equally important (Harris, 2003). Different methods and strategies are applied when passing on a message to specific audience. An audience may be more critical than another may. In this case, the speaker or author needs to employ a fitting strategy to communicate to the audience.
Rhetorical strategies are methods that are used by the author or speaker to change the mind of the audience. After noting the purpose of the message being delivered to the audience, it is imperative to note the strategy. Every writer, author, or speaker has an objective, beside the thesis of the message. To ensure that the audience capture the message, the speaker or author preys on the feelings and thoughts of the audience. One has to critically analyse the message being delivered to discern the strategies used by the author or speaker (Haugen, Musser & Lovelace, 2009).
The audience can be manipulated in many ways using various strategies. The author/speaker’s main concern is communicating a specific message to the audience. Rhetorical strategies are used to change the feelings of the audience. While describing the disadvantages of outsourcing, the authors capture the emotions of audience. The effects of outsourcing are clearly shown on video describing poverty, child labour, low wages and unprecedented loss of jobs (Disadvantage of Outsourcing, 2011). This method is very effective in persuading the audience to change their perspective on outsourcing.
Comparisons are made to ensure that the audience understands the implications of outsourcing. Outsourced workers describe their difficult experiences while working under such conditions. For instance, millions of workers have been laid off because of this practice. After working for many years, one would expect job security (Nike sweatshops, 2007). However, one can be easily sacked and left with nothing, unlike in other jobs where one is entitled to receive a pension after retiring.
Credibility and accuracy is also necessary to ensure the audience believe the message. This can be achieved by supporting statistics and professional and political backing. The author or speaker may cite and quote analysts who have analyzed the situation (Haugen, Musser & Lovelace, 2009). In addition, providing evidence in form of statistics, real life interviews and historical perspective adds to the credibility of the author’s message.
Conclusively, rhetorical strategies are methods that are used by the author or speaker to change the mind of the audience. In some instances, these strategies may be used to mislead the audience. However, it is important to provide the audience with enough information to verify the credibility and accuracy of the message. Personally, I believe that outsourcing has more disadvantages than advantages.
References
Disadvantage of Outsourcing. (2011, October 7). YouTube. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JEOxiLRYSc
Harris, R. A. (2003). Writing with clarity and style: a guide to rhetorical devices for contemporary writers. Los Angeles, CA: Pyrczak Pub..
Haugen, D. M., Musser, S., & Lovelace, K. (2009). Outsourcing. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
Nike sweatshops – Try not to cry. (2007, November 7). YouTube. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVuScVCF1Ws
