Saying Something Without Saying Anything

Editorial Cartoon Analysis

Key Term: Rhetoric

Subheading: The Classical Period

This cartoon relates to the chapter because it demonstrates rhetoric, which is the art of persuasion and strategic communication. The speaker is answering a question in a way that sounds like he’s answering with the intention of clearing up confusion but at the same time does not provide a clear answer. During the Classical Period, scholars such as Aristotle studied how speakers use language to influence audiences. The cartoon shows how communication can be used to persuade, avoid criticism, or shape public opinion rather than just providing the information that was asked about.

This cartoon relates to my life because In the media you usually hear politicians, public figures, and even people in entertainment like sports leagues answer questions without giving a direct response. For example, during interviews or press conferences, speakers will use vague language to avoid taking a firm position on an issue. Similar situations can occur in school group projects when someone answers a question indirectly instead of clearly explaining their ideas. This makes it seem like they originally answered the questions given to them when in reality there wasn’t an actual answer it was just something that sounded enough like one. The cartoon demonstrates how communication can be used strategically to influence how others interpret a message.

Lost in Translation

Editorial Cartoon Analysis

Key Term: Transactional Model of Communication
Subheading: Models of Communication

This cartoon relates to the Transactional Model of Communication because there is communication happening between the speaker and the audience. The audience members are receiving the speaker’s message, interpreting it in different ways, and responding back with their thoughts. This cartoon also demonstrates the ideas shown from the linear model of communication with how noise can cause distractions and misunderstandings which can interfere with the communication process.

A specific example from my life is during work. I’m a server at a frozen yogurt shop and it gets extremely busy during the summer, which causes large groups of people to order at once, whether it’s with me or with my coworker. Customers will receive the information i’m giving them about the store and/or how to order based on their questions and vice versa, I receive information when I’m asking them something about their order. When its a group, that information will be taken in different ways by different people which ultimately generates different reactions. This can lead to more questions and confusion about either the menu, whats allowed to added or taken off, which order is being taken and who exactly is getting what.