As a writing teacher, I can never escape the importance of the rhetorical triangle (Author-->Subject-->Audience). Each semester I delve into ancient Greece and Aristotle’s philosophies of ethos, pathos, and logos fully expecting the thirty sets of beady eyes watching me to slowly shut with boredom.
But they never do. Why?
Because even my students recognize that the very fundamental principals of communication, ALL communication, have been glaringly obvious for centuries.
But they never do. Why?
Because even my students recognize that the very fundamental principals of communication, ALL communication, have been glaringly obvious for centuries.
Whether writing for a business Web site, brochure or blog, the rhetorical triangle is the base of all meaningful communication. An author must know the subject and convey it accurately to meet the needs of the audience. If at any time the triangle is punctured, communication becomes lost, obscured, or just plain misinterpreted.
So, my students realize they need the rhetorical triangle judging by their attentive interest, but what role does it play in business writing?
Businesses have a point to make and using written communication, they make it. But, how does the reader interpret it?
Do readers receive the same message the writer is meaning to send?
All too often the audience can be an overlooked factor in constructing business communication. That’s why the most powerful business writing looks at communication not only from the sender’s point of view, but also from the receiver’s. A good business writer can jump back and forth between the two, building a bridge so the subject material can float seamlessly across without interruption.
Whether the ancient Greeks realized the impact or not, the rhetorical triangle is still the key to writing effective copy today.
So, my students realize they need the rhetorical triangle judging by their attentive interest, but what role does it play in business writing?
Businesses have a point to make and using written communication, they make it. But, how does the reader interpret it?
Do readers receive the same message the writer is meaning to send?
All too often the audience can be an overlooked factor in constructing business communication. That’s why the most powerful business writing looks at communication not only from the sender’s point of view, but also from the receiver’s. A good business writer can jump back and forth between the two, building a bridge so the subject material can float seamlessly across without interruption.
Whether the ancient Greeks realized the impact or not, the rhetorical triangle is still the key to writing effective copy today.
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