Exigence

Exigence

Definition: The inciting event that inspires, motivates, or makes a rhetorical action more appropriate at a given moment. Exigence is the problem or crisis that demands attention and action, serving as the catalyst and motive for persuasive communication regarding a specific topic. 

• A crucial concept in rhetorical theory, exigence refers to an urgent or pressing need that triggers a particular rhetorical communication.

  • Foundational for understanding why communication occurs, exigence aids in analyzing rhetorical artifacts by identifying the reasons behind an endeavor to persuade.

• Introduced by rhetorical theorist Lloyd Bitzer in 1968, it is a core element of the expanded rhetorical situation, highlighting the catalyst or motive behind a communicator's attempt to persuade a specific audience to think, feel, believe, or act in a specific way regarding a particular topic. 

Role in Rhetorical Situations

In 1968, rhetorical theorist Lloyd Bitzer 1968 argued that a rhetorical situation comprises exigence, audience, and constraints. Exigence acts as the driving force, prompting a communicator to address a particular audience through a suitable mode of communication within given constraints. 

• Note that some scholars have expanded on Bitzer's concept, suggesting that exigence might be subjective or evolve through rhetorical action rather than being a fixed starting point for communication.

Key Elements of Exigence

• Urgency and Necessity: Exigence conveys a sense of urgency or necessity that compels a rhetor or communicator to address a specific issue or situation. It represents a problem or crisis demanding attention and action.

• Contextual Relevance: Exigence is context-dependent, influenced by factors such as social, cultural, political, or historical circumstances. Its relevance is determined by its significance within a particular context.

Use in Rhetoric

In rhetorical analysis, exigence offers insight into the motivations and contexts that drive communicative acts. Exigence (i.e. the incident or condition that prompted a rhetorical action) can make communication on a certain topic more or less persuasive to a particular audience at a given time.

• Effective: Powerful communicators leverage inciting incidents as the driving force for effective persuasion. 

• Ineffective: Communicators who overlook or go against the exigence typically fail to persuade effectively because they are resisting the prevailing public opinion and face indifferent or hostile audiences.

Analyzing Exigence

1. Identify the Context

   • Understand the broader situation or context in which the rhetoric was created. Consider the historical, cultural, social, or political circumstances. Ask questions like:

     1. What events or conditions were happening at the time?

     2. Who are the primary and secondary audiences?

2. Determine the Exigence

   • Pinpoint the specific issue or problem that triggered the need for rhetoric. Exigence is often related to a pressing problem that the speaker or writer aims to address. Ask:

     1. What is the urgent issue or problem?

     2. Why is this issue significant at this particular time?

3. Assess Rhetorical Effectiveness (based on exigence)

   • Evaluate how effectively the rhetoric addresses the exigence.

     1. Does the rhetoric successfully identify and address the problem?

     2. How does the audience respond to the rhetoric?

     3. Are the strategies and appeals effective in achieving the purpose?

Example Analysis

1. Context: A politician delivers a speech during an economic crisis.

2. Exigence: The urgent need to address rising unemployment and economic instability.

3. Purpose: To reassure the public and propose solutions to the economic problems.

4. Audience: The general public, particularly those affected by the economic crisis.

5. Constraints: Limited by political opposition, public skepticism, and media coverage.

6. Speaker: A well-known politician with a strong background in economics.

7. Strategies and Appeals

   1. Logos: Presenting statistics and logical arguments about proposed economic policies.

   2. Pathos: Appealing to the audience’s fears and hopes for economic recovery.

   3. Ethos: Emphasizing the politician’s expertise and past successes in economic policy.

8. Effectiveness (based on exigence): Because the speech was delivered at a time of heightened anxiety regarding the economy (exigence), it more successfully reassures the public and garners support for the proposed policies.

Examples of Exigence

• Historical Speeches: Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech was driven by the exigence of the Civil Rights Movement and the urgent need for racial equality and justice in America.

• Political Debates: During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt's speeches addressed the economic crisis, using the exigence of widespread unemployment and poverty to advocate for the New Deal.

• Social Movements: The #MeToo movement leveraged the exigence of widespread sexual harassment and assault to raise awareness and demand change in societal attitudes and legal frameworks.

• Public Health Campaigns: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, health authorities communicated the importance of vaccination, social distancing, and masks by emphasizing the urgent need to curb the virus's spread.

• Environmental Advocacy: Greta Thunberg's speeches on climate change are driven by the exigence of the global environmental crisis, urging immediate action to combat global warming and ecological degradation.

• Crisis Communication: After natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, government and relief organizations use the exigence of immediate danger and need for aid to communicate evacuation plans, safety measures, and requests for assistance.

• Corporate Communication: A company facing a major public relations crisis, such as a product recall due to safety concerns, uses the exigence of maintaining public trust and safety to communicate their response and corrective actions.

• Advertising Campaigns: During economic downturns, advertisements may use the exigence of financial insecurity to promote products or services that promise cost savings or financial stability.