Ch. 13- Constructing & Presenting Persuasive Messages

Rhetoric and Persuasion

Rhetoric is a big part of constructing and presenting a message in order to persuade an audience. Various strategies and a clear and strong thesis are on top of the list in order for a persuasive message to be effective. What do you think is the most important element or rhetoric for a message to be persuasive? What exactly does a persuasive message evoke, in your opinion?

Gestalt Values

In visual designs, the Gestalt approach is a disconsidered theory when looking at the elements of a visual image. However, Gestalists' psychological work makes a lot of sense. Woodward and Denton state, "A Gestalt approach to the layout of images and text assumes that certain choices create messages that are unified and perceptually satisfying." From what I understood, according to this approach, we look at an image as a whole but only some of it sticks in our minds. But if elements were used in a certain way, the whole image would speak to us as opposed to just parts or a portion of it. In your opinion, where do you think the effectivity of an image or a message exists?-- On the way we perceive a message (whether it pertains to us as an individual) or solely the way the message is constructed regardless of whether it affects us or not?

Food For Thought...

When I think of visual rhetoric, I immediately think of billboards (and brand adverstising in general-- not so much of getting messages across). However in the textbook, Woodward and Denton touches upon several visual images that ought to convey a message (alcohol abuse, cigarette effects, etc.) I was just wondering what some clothing brands are trying to convey and/or persuade other than promoting the brand itself. Take Abercrombie and Fitch for instance, they have the reputation of having half-naked models as their poster people. Their target audience is not exactly adults, but adolescents. Is this still considered approriate and do you think it follows the ethical values of visual rhetoric? Moreover, what are they trying to persuade?