UNDERSTANDING VISUAL RHETORICARGUMENT INTERPRETING GRAPHIC AIDS A Power

UNDERSTANDING VISUAL RHETORIC/ARGUMENT & INTERPRETING GRAPHIC AIDS A Power. Point Presentation Created by John Tacapan

WHAT IS VISUAL RHETORIC? • "Visual rhetoric" has been used to mean anything from the use of images as argument, to the arrangement of elements on a page for rhetorical effect, to the use of typography (fonts), and more. • The term visual rhetoric falls under an umbrella term known as visual literacy, which is generally split into three categories: visual thinking, visual learning, visual rhetoric/communication (though clearly visual thinking and visual learning must occur in order to communicate visually).

VISUAL RHETORIC • Essentially, a beginning definition of visual rhetoric and its applications are as follows: • Use of images as argument • Arrangement of elements on a page • Use of typography (fonts, etc. ) • Analysis of existing images and visuals

VISUAL RHETORIC: USE OF IMAGES The impact of images on one's ethos (credibility) cannot be understated. The illustrations you use, the charts or graphs that make up a presentation, and even the photographs you place within a design will have significant impact as to whether an audience takes you seriously. A. Clip-Art B. Illustrations and Diagrams C. Graphs and Charts • • • Bar graph Line graph Pie chart Flowchart Table D. Photographs and Manipulated Images

BAR GRAPH

FLOW CHART

PIE CHART

LINE GRAPH

• Read the title. • Look at the source of the information. • Read any explanation that accompanies the visuals or graphic. • If there is a legend, read it. • Read the labels. • Determine what is being measured or compared and the units of measurement. • Look for trends and patterns. • Think about how the graphic might illustrate, clarify, or prove a point the author makes in the accompanying text material. • Determine whethere are other important conclusions you can draw from information in the graphic.