Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 1990

Rhetorical Theory and Newsletter Writing

Nancy Roundy Blyler Iowa State University

Abstract

Research on newsletters, a major form of organizational communication, has largely been practical rather than theoretical. Certain theories, such as those in organizational theory and mass communication, can be applied to newsletters as forms of organizational communication and as media. Rhetorical theory, however, has not been used to understand how newsletter writing achieves its effects. This study applies rhetorical theory to newsletters produced by two political-activist organizations. The newsletters and the organizations are described, as background for the study. Three aspects of rhetorical theory (schema theory, social construction, and theories about audience) are presented, and their application to the newsletters is illustrated with sample passages. An agenda is suggested for further research on rhetorical theory and newsletter writing.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1990-04-01
DOI
10.2190/3886-9lub-d1jv-lx4t
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Closed
Topics
modern rhetorical theory rhetorical criticism professional writing
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Blyler (1992)
    Shared Meaning and Public Relations Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Blyler (1992)
    Shared Meaning and Public Relations Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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