08.07.06 - Final Paper Abstract

Structuring New Media with Ancient Tools:

Podcasting and the Rhetorical Canon of Delivery

Podcasting is an example of new media that has gained immense popularity and exposure over the last four years. One of the largest reasons for its success is the fact that virtually anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can create and publish a podcast. However, this situation can produce some rather low quality podcasts unless the author follows some type of guidelines in the development of the product. The five canons of rhetoric - invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery - provide a way for rhetors to effectively build, structure, and present their arguments. While originating in ancient Greek rhetoric, the canons have many applications in contemporary culture, for example in new media forms, such as podcasting. This article presents a close, in-depth study of the fifth canon - delivery - through a discourse on delivery’s importance, establishing ethos in the delivery of a podcast, factors that influence delivery, and how to apply it to the effective podcast presentation.

08.07.06 – What’s Important ‘Bout Canons, Kairos, and Isegoooooria

What are the three most significant things you've learned in this course, and how will you make use of them in your studies and/or work?

The most significant idea I learned in this course was the five canons. I find them inordinately (yes) useful as a model to develop both oral and written discourse. In some ways, the concepts presented within the canons are practices that we already use or practices that are pretty much common sense. However, to have them detailed as they are is of great worth. As to how I will use this concept, colour me inspired - I am seriously considering doing something with ancient rhetoric and new media (yes, podcasting) for my dissertation. In such, I would definitely address all of the canons.

Another significant concept I learned was that of the isegoria. Again, putting this in the realm of podcasting, I have long wanted to write a paper that discusses the egalitarian nature of podcasting, including both positive and negative outcomes of this condition (actual and potential). Under the guise that I wish to write on the application of ancient rhetoric in new media, this would be an excellent tie-in.

A third significant concept learned this semester is Kairos. Prior to the summer, I had a very cursor knowledge of the concept. The May workshop bulked that understanding a bit, but this course (and our readings) delved deeper into the actual theory, as well as how it applies to various other ideas.

07.31.06 – Videos that Killed the Rhetoric Star

Peer Reviews

Commonplaces
(Cynthia)
What Works: I liked the more “live” visuals, it was a very different approach that the rest of us provided
What Could Improve: It would have helped for you to have been “mic-ed” a bit more. The audio quality was very low through the different scenes.
Extra Hmnnn: This could just be me (and I’m in no place to talk about technical difficulties on this assignment), but the video kept hangining on me. The audio would remain but the visual would give one still about every 20 seconds.

logos
(Gillian)
What Works: Great illustrative visuals. The added to your argument and assisted with the presenation (as opposed to detracting or being irrelevant).
What Could Improve: Was this in video form and I missed it? Even as a straight PPT, it would have been good to have audio.
Extra Hmnnn: Some of the images, such as the Dragga/Napolean images were not legible. For some, I think it if fine, and we get the idea. For that one, I felt I was missing something by not being able to see the image in detail.

ethos
(Barbara)
What Works: You thoroughly covered the material and kept it engaging with short slides. Very nice
What Could Improve:
Extra Hmnnn: I definitely like the CEO assignment – that it extends through multiple assignments.

delivery
(Time)
What Works: Many aspects covered in a short period
What Could Improve: Two of the slides were rather long with nothing happening on-screen.
Extra Hmnnn: Definitely needed to cite the sources.

enthymeme
(Alec)
What Works: The short slides with nice spacing and the bi-colored texts that help organize the concepts.
What Could Improve: While not essential, I would have like to have had some sound.
Extra Hmnnn: It was interesting that it was told first person perspective of Aris.

commonplaces
(Glenn)
What Works: Very nice explanation of commonplaces, particularly tying it into contemporary use
What Could Improve: To be honest, he interspersed music actually became annoying.
Extra Hmnnn: I like the use of recent ads and images to support your points.

Blogging
(Fawn)
What Works: Excellet point in tying the agora to common uses, such as virtual marketplaces and Blogs
What Could Improve: While I liked the inclusion of “Floyd” running throughout, I find that music with lyrics can be distracting when trying to read.
Extra Hmnnn: Hmnnnn

Audience
(Janie)
What Works: I liked the simple, direct presentation – easy for students to follow.
What Could Improve: At some points, there were, perhaps, too many images flashing w/o any text. Images are great, especially when they’re illustrative. However, sometimes, selected stock imagry w/o text is non-specific and not as helpful, visually, as intended.
Extra Hmnnn: Breaking down thicker ideas with common concepts (who, what, where, etc.) is very effective.

canons
(Joel)
What Works: Very nice pace and vocal delivery.
What Could Improve: Perhaps some more images to keep the audience interested (breaking up the text). However, you keep your slides so short, it keeps the audience engaged, so the additional of more images is really not essential.
Extra Hmnnn: The intro w/your mug had a sort of intimidating angle.
Shoofly Pie?

phronesis
(Lennie)
What Works: Very nice pace and smooth, calm, consistent voice.
What Could Improve: Some of the video flashes were so fast, I could not make out what it was … short of knowign it had the professor fellow in it.
Extra Hmnnn: I know I will be a sheep and part of the obvious question – but do tell of the little scientist fellow.

Imitatio
(Allison)
What Works: Very nice, clear definition of imitatio. You voice remained calm and even throughout.
What Could Improve: I few of the slides seemed to stay on-screen too long w/o much going on.However, I am Very guilty of that in my presentation, as well.
Extra Hmnnn: I am interested and will look up Patchwork writing.