Audiences wonder why any speaker or writer should be granted authority on a topic. “Who is this person to be telling us what to think?” is a reasonable question when reflecting on serious issues. With that in mind, I accept that people grant authority on education, career status, and lived experiences.
My educational credentials include a doctorate in rhetoric, a master of fine arts in media, and a master’s degree in rhetoric and composition theory. If you wish to know more details, they are available via my résumé.
Originally meant as a reflection on the teaching of rhetoric as an academic discipline, this blog has shifted towards the rhetoric of creative writing and digital media. One interest is the power of stage and screen to persuade audiences. Other topics within rhetoric might appear occasionally.
Research interests in rhetorical theory include the rhetorics of:
- Fiction: Creative writers, directors, and others employ rhetorical techniques to guide audiences.
- Visual design: Designers shape perceptions and frame arguments, especially via emerging technologies.
- Economics: Economists and their colleagues attempt to explain complex concepts to general audiences, especially when trying to shape public policy outcomes.
- Science: Scientific communities attempt to use rhetorical techniques, especially in research fields associated with disabilities and education.
- Disability: Self-advocates now use online media to participate in public policy debates.
The preceding list reflects the order of my passions. Writing and visual design are my primary fields of research. I avoid the common problem of over-specialization, while also conducting meaningful scholarship in my discipline. Too often our research is divorced from public discourse, so I attempt to explain to my students that rhetorical studies develop critical thinking skills essential to creation, innovation, and social participation.