Visual Rhetoric

Visual rhetoric is constantly being used. Any pictures, videos, actions and even body language can be visual rhetoric. Visual rhetoric is often more effective when combined with language.  I think the type of visual rhetoric I use most often would be body language. My roommates know the puppy dog eyes expression I make when I am trying to convince them to make an ice cream run. I post on social media to convince my followers that I actually do fun things. I wear nice clothing to please my mother. I smile at those I like. I employ sarcasm constantly and my body language can give context to my tone and words.  Everyone does things to affect other’s perceptions. People buy fancy cars to give others the impression that they are wealthy or a sign of status. Print and TV advertisements combine the use of visual and written rhetoric.  Some of these things I do consciously and some are unconscious. I am also influenced by visual rhetoric. I am new to this whole living on my own thing and I am greatly influenced by the designs on foods in the grocery store. Bright bold colors and pictures of delightful looking food always catches my eye. I am way more likely to buy anything at attracts me. Recipe books always have beautifully staged heaping plates of the recipe. These pictures influence my meal choices. However after I cook the recipe and my food comes out not looking so great I am less likely to make it again. The media understands the power of visual rhetoric and uses it to their advantages. Stark images of violence and destruction stir emotions that words do not. The ASPCA commercials with the sad, abused puppies are a prime example of this. This is an important part of visual rhetoric; it is easier to compare. Visual rhetoric is incredibly useful and important to be aware of. We all use rhetoric constantly even without knowing it. I think that it is important that we become more aware of the influences in our lives and how we influence others. Most people are aware of written rhetoric, but visual rhetoric can affect us even without our knowledge. As we look for these influences we become a more informed people and can make educated decisions. Visual rhetoric is used in society everywhere, on web pages, commercials, advertisements and in the media. We should learn to be aware of how we are influenced by visual rhetoric.