Aristotle's Ars Rhetorica is the earliest document that we can refer to when talking about communication. In his article, he expounded his observations on how we communicate as human beings. Thus, we are given the model of the Speaker -> Message -> Audience. He, however, gave more emphasis on the speaker in doing the communication. According to Aristotle, the Speaker plays the major role in relaying his message, regardless of how the audience perceives it.
I agree with Aristotle even in the face of new schools of thought or modern views regarding communication. For me, it really is up to the speaker to make his message appealing. First of all, his topic must be relevant and interesting; this obviously is his job, not the audience's. Second, in order for his message or arguments be heard, he must be able to speak convincingly to his audience by sounding confident and with conviction; again, this is the job of the speaker, not the audience's. Lastly, the speaker's relationship with the audience will be much more meaningful if the speaker is able to make the non interested be interested rather than make the interested... well, not interested. Everything really is just about the speaker, and the audience is just there to listen and learn from the speaker.
My blog sort of focused on Aristotle and his GRAND DADDY to all theories in communication. He did say that the speaker is to be at fault if the communication process fails but I disagree. In his Ars Rhetorica, the 3 components will share an equal blame in my opinion. The speaker does have the responsibility to send out an effective message but it is also the responsibility of the audience to ATLEAST try to understand and interpret the message. No matter how a good a speaker maybe if the audience just won't try to understand his message the communication process will fail but blame is not to be put on the speaker in that case.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your notion. The most essential part of Aristotle's model is the speaker. and the only way for a speaker to become effective, he/she must acquire the 3 essentials of persuasion--ethos,pathos and logos. without these the message, will never be conveyed to the receiver.
ReplyDeleteAristotle sure puts a lot of pressure on speakers! But we really can't blame him, because just like what you said, it's the speaker's responsibility to make his message appealing. The idea of a message being conveyed would seem dull and irrelevant if a speaker would not be able to deliver it in such a manner that his audience would be able to absorb and appreciate it. Hurray to effective speakers! =)
ReplyDeleteHey! Aristotle really was a great philosopher. He was able to give many different theories that can still be applied today. I also agree with your point of how to really be an effective speaker. the connection between the speaker and the audience is really key. once you're audience is interested, you're good to go. Good job!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think, Miguel? Should speakers really carry that much of a burden?
ReplyDelete@Victor: "Grand Daddy"... that's a good one :)