In Patricia Roberts-Miller's "Rhetoric is Synonymous with Empty Speech" and Keith

Grant-Davie's "Rhetorical Situations and Their Constituents", I am able to better understand

rhetoric. Roberts-Miller challenges the common perception of rhetoric as speech that is empty or
manipulative, rather than encouraging readers to recognize rhetoric as an important aspect of
human communication and decision-making. She emphasizes that rhetoric is not inherently
deceptive but more so a tool that can be used for both constructive and harmful purposes,
however, it is dependent on the context and intent of the speaker. On the other hand, Grant-
Davie's explanation of rhetorical situations further deepens my understanding by highlighting the
interaction between the rhetor, audience, and exigence and the role they each play in rhetorical
discourse. Grant-Davie places an emphasis on the significance of context and audience
awareness underscoring the complexity of rhetorical communication. The concept of constraints
are also viewed within rhetorical situations. Constraints can be said as limitations that can affect
the effectiveness of the exigence or purpose being properly persuaded to the audience. Both
readings include the recognition of rhetoric as a vital component of discourse in various social,
political, and cultural contexts. They also mention the value of understanding rhetorical
situations and the part they play in forming effective persuasive messages. However, despite
gaining insights into the nuances of rhetoric and the rhetorical situation, I still remain curious
about the ethical components of persuasive communication, the role of how the audience
interpretates the information in shaping the effectiveness of rhetoric, and the potential for
rhetoric to be used as a tool for positive social change. In addition, I am curious about the
relationship between rhetoric and power dynamics within society, as well as the evolving nature
of rhetorical strategies in technological advancements. It is also important to understand how
rhetorical situations are apparent in social media. If one is more educated in rhetorical situations,
does that effect their position in society?