Applications of rhetorical criticism: An analysis of individual event speeches (1993-2000).

• Author: Billings, Andrew C.

Andrew C. Billings, Jonathan Birdnow and Caroline S. Parsons (*)

Within competitive individual events, no category of speaking has the same history as rhetorical criticism. Often the least-entered event at a tournament, rhetorical criticism remains an invaluable type of speech, joining the fields of communication studies and competitive forensics in a unique way. While the event is not the most popular among students and some judges, presumably from a lack of understanding of what rhetorical criticism entails, many coaches and educators argue that rhetorical criticism--when performed properly--can be a powerful heuristic for the understanding of the communication discipline.

This study addresses how students apply their knowledge of rhetorical criticism within individual event competition. Through in-depth analysis of national finalist speeches, significant findings can be determined within the areas of student understanding of (a) method, (b) artifact, and (c) argument construction. Additionally, researchers and educators can gain a pedagogical glimpse as to how undergraduate students are conducting rhetorical criticism, and, if traditional criticism and competitive speaking criticism fail to correlate, scholars can begin a discussion as to whether such inconsistencies constitute problems within the activity.

RELATED LITERATURE

Since its inception as a forensics event, competitive rhetorical criticism has followed an evolutionary path similar to its academic counterpart. Scholars and coaches have raised questions concerning pedagogical influences, methodological limits, student participation, and the coaching of rhetorical criticism. Each of these issues plays a large role in the constant renegotiation of rhetorical criticism. In order to better understand how rhetorical criticism is practiced in today's forensic competition, one must gain an understanding of the literature surrounding this event, constructed in two veins of knowledge: first, the pedagogical implications of rhetorical criticism and second, the coaching and application of the event.

PEDAGOGY VS. RHETORICAL CRITICISM

Concerning the pedagogical implications of competitive rhetorical criticism, critics have highlighted the use of prefabricated methods as a tool for analysis as a valid problem. A cursory glance at the endnotes of the majority of articles written on competitive rhetorical criticism illustrates the long, rich, and often colored history of this activity within academia. Authors consistently reference Aristotle's definition of rhetoric as a search for the "available means of persuasion" (Aristotle, 1960). From this foundation one easily proceeds to Wichelns (1995) and the Neo-Aristotelian critic. Wichelns helped solidify the study of rhetoric by employing Aristotle's canons as a method. Within competition, many argue that Wichelns' methodological underpinnings have transformed into the .notion that a critic can create a quick list reference guide, sending students and coaches on a hunt for a "cookie-cutter" method. Ott (1998) explains that students read recently published criticisms with an eye on phrases and ta g lines that can then be used as a framework to study their artifact. In the search for applicable methods, many models of communication are adapted, including the Aristotelian Model of Persuasion, Toulmin's Model of Argument, Burke's Dramatism, Fantasy theme analysis, and apologia (Bartanen, 1994).

Many critics believe that the constant use of pre-set methods, or the tendency to only draw terms and catch phrases from previous criticisms, has created a paradigm of competition that harms the educational value of the event. Current speeches often miss or ignore the context of the artifact (Ott, 1998). Instead of fully exploring the rhetorical act, students simply search the artifact for quotations or illustrations that best fit into their framework. This style of criticism places importance upon the method rather than the artifact, creating a method-driven examination (Givens, 1994). The end results are anti-educational. Student competitors often develop a "superficial grasp" of their chosen methodology (Thompson, 1981). Murphy (1988) argues this reliance upon method leads to a failure in analysis. In response to this notion of formulaic speech generating a new breed of sophistic critics, many have posited changes in the use of methods. Rosenthal (1985) urges students to combine methods, forcing them to en gage the artifact from multiple perspectives, while others argue for the use of student-generated tools (Hahn & Gustainis, 1982). Both adaptations to current rituals of criticism return to the notion that one must study the artifact in order to find the rhetorical tools employed. From a close examination of the rhetorical act a critic will then draw the proper framework for analysis (Leff, 1995).

COACHING AND APPLICATION OF COMPETITIVE RHETORICAL CRITICISM

Contestants will deliver an original critical analysis of any significant rhetorical artifact. The Speaker should limit the quotation of, paraphrasing of or summary of the analyzed artifact to a minimum. Any legitimate critical methodology is permissible as long as it serves to open up the artifact for the audience. The speech must be delivered from memory. Maximum 10 minutes. (NFA Tournament Invitation, 2001)

As the rules read, rhetorical criticism is an analysis written and performed by the student in an effort to shed light upon a particular rhetorical artifact. However, as the rules are put into practice many concerns, problems, and modifications occur. One concern addressed in the literature is the issue of coaching and the...