What is Visual Rhetoric?
If the broad definition of rhetoric is any form of communication that attempts to modify another person's perspective, then visual rhetoric is the use of images to do just that. In other words, visual rhetoric is the use of images to make an argument, to persuade, or to communicate an idea.
Visual Rhetoric
Visual Rhetoric is a form of communication that uses images to create meaning or to make an argument.
Discussion
Look at the image above and discuss the following questions in pairs or groups:
- What are the most important aspects of the image?
- Who is the audience? How do you know?
- What is the argument?
- Does the photographer/artist clearly communicate his or her argument? If yes, how so?
- Is this image effective? Why or why not?
Exercise
Using what you have learned about visual rhetoric, complete the activity.