Project 3

Isabella Bray, Alex De La Vega Hardin, Shelby Griffis, Grady Sanders

Professor McGinnis

English 1101

24 October 2021

Rhetorical Devices in Our Service-Learning Project

As part of a service-learning project, our group created a brochure for the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia, or the HSSCG. The organization is a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in need of loving homes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HSSCG has received less volunteers. We utilized rhetorical devices to persuade fellow animal lovers into joining their volunteering program. Our brochure highlights the communal and personal benefits to joining their team.

In the section labeled “Off Site Events” many forms of rhetorical devices were used. Of which includes pathos in appealing to the reader's sense of admiration, love, and sense of responsibility to animals. Another that was used was imagery, in giving the reader something to imagine and think about in reading what you wrote allows for a better and clearer understanding of what is trying to be conveyed, in this example is a visualization of what a Humane society event would look like. Another use of rhetorical devices would be the use of antithesis, in pairing opposing ideas allows for a highlighting of an idea that the writer deems as important and correct, and in the context of the brochure is providing the reader with a contrast between what people think is true and reality concerning Humane society events.

Also, using convincing and informational data is a great way of using rhetoric. When using rhetoric or rhetorical devices, you use persuasion on an audience. In the section “Fostering” there are many informal facts to help persuade the reader/ future fostering volunteer why they should foster an animal. In the paragraph it mentions “Fostering gives you an experience and prep before you actually adopt a pet” an example of a benefit of fostering was used along with a photo to help the reader understand what they are reading. The photo includes a woman introducing herself to a cute and seemingly well-behaved kitten to depict what fostering looks like and how it can be enjoyable. Using rhetorical devices can make or break a poster or brochure. The Humane society brochure we created provides many rhetorical devices and persuading information.

Moreover, in the section titled “Grooming,” rhetorical devices are used to pique the reader's interest in volunteering to bathe and brush animals at the shelter. For example, we employ logos by stating that, “working with animals can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness and social isolation.” By describing the benefits of this opportunity, the audience is incentivized to contribute their time to grooming animals at the Humane Society. Though outside of rhetoric, it is notable that the corresponding image draws the readers’ attention and allows them to visualize the topic more clearly.

Furthermore, the section titled “Dog and Cat Socialization” demonstrates the persuasive power of rhetorical devices. For example, the final sentence within the section states, “Knowing you helped people find their new best friends is a fulfilling and heartwarming feeling that can't be beaten.” The experience is described as “fulfilling and heartwarming” in an unparalleled manner to target the readers’ desire to feel content with themselves for pursuing a good deed. The quote, “The encouraging and comforting moments you spend with the animals may be the first they've had before their arrival,” is also an example of pathos. Unlike the previous example, the latter quote evokes pity on the dogs and cats in the shelter.

Finally, in the section about volunteering at The Big Flea and the Lucky Dog Stores, rhetoric is once again employed to sway the audience’s feelings towards the subject matter. According to the last sentence, “Whether you're looking to hone your people skills or simply mingle with customers and offer assistance, store volunteers are greatly appreciated!” By mentioning that volunteers are appreciated for their effort, the reader might consider joining the program to become a valued part of the organization.

To conclude, our utilization of rhetoric throughout the brochure focused especially on pathos. Our group considered the audience’s sentiment towards animals in need, and sense of fulfillment one has after performing good deeds. While we agreed that was our strongest angle, examples of logos are fairly present as well. Overall, appealing towards the readers’ emotions best suited the project’s objective.