Humor and Visual Arguments Summary of Chapter 13

Humor and Visual Arguments Summary of Chapter 13 and 14 from Everything’s An Argument

Understanding Humor in Arguments � Often works best when dealing with ordinary life and controversial topics. � “Humor, especially satire, is a knifes edge that had better cut precisely or not at all. ” � Darker side of humor › Can make people feel superior to its targets of ridicule › Bullies and cliques often use humor to torment their innocent victims

Understanding Humor in Arguments � Confident speakers may make fun of themselves seeming clever yet aware of their own limitations � Make your audience laugh › Serious political begin with jokes- puts listeners at ease and helps them identify with the speaker

Kinds of Humor Many kinds � Satire � › Popular among college students › The Simpsons, South Park, Family Guy, S. N. L. › Often shifts perspective urging a look at a situation in a new way � Parody › Taking something familiar and turns it into something new › Works best when audiences make connection

Can use Humor in Arguments to: � Point out flaws in policy, proposal, or other kinds of argument � Suggest policy of your own � Put people in a favorable frame of mind � Acknowledge weaknesses or deflect criticism � Satirize or parody a position or point of view

Visual Arguments � Very powerful › Engrave pictures in your mind � Visual Literacy › Being able to consider a presentation and how its visual elements affect the way you perceive the information

Analyzing Visual Arguments � Ask › Who is the creator, what is his/her attitude toward the image › What media is being used and what role does it play › What does the visual text assume about its viewers › How does the text make you feel › What purpose does the text convey › What is “highlighted” or catchy › What colors are used › How are you direct to move within arguments › Is anything repeated

Visual arguments based on character � Images that reinforce authority and credibility � How does your design reflect your character? › Fonts style and size used � Follow required design convention › Shows competence

Visual Arguments based on Facts � Organize information visually › Similar heading usually related › Large font should be more important then lesser size font � Convey data efficiently › Charts, maps, diagrams � Follow profession guidelines � Check for copyrighted material

Visual Arguments Based on Emotion � Very powerful › pictures -> emotions -> actions � Color matters › Red dress, blue lights › Common sense principles