10.6 My Rhetorical Action Plan

Audience

• Knowledge: If any animators or robotics enthusiasts are reading, they likely know of the uncanny valley and statistically accept it.  A general audience may or may not know of it.  I would need to introduce the topic either way.
• Values: Most of the audience would be scientifically oriented and hold values related to that.  My paper doesn't contain any polarizing or divisive issues, so I don't need to worry about offending anyone (probably).
•  Standards of Argument: The audience is potentially experts in technology and science, so published scientific research is essential.  Translation is important for a general audience, but most of the people affected would understand.
• Visual Elements: The paper is about the uncanny valley, so images of robots that are supposed to illicit an uncanny response are essential.
• Purpose: I'm intending to change peoples' perspectives on how, why or if the uncanny valley is valid.  It should motivate them through concise arguments and research.

Genre

• I'll likely choose a video as my genre for this project.  The topic is visual in nature and my audience is technologically adept.  A video may be the best way to reach them.
• Pathos will likely be used more in a video than in a writing as it's more visual and must engage the audience.  The scientific nature of the topic requires above average logos to be used.
• Video clips, images and graphics will be used frequently, as the intended genre is video.
• It'll probably be informal as the format has the potential to reach people other than my intended audience and I would want it to engage them.

Responses/Actions:

• Potential positives: acceptance of new theories or consideration at least.  Negatives: rejection of new theories, reluctance to abandon current theory, cling to intuition of current theory.
• The most important are addressing the validity of the current theory.
• Explain current theory > Provide evidence for current theory > Explain issues with current theory > Provide alternative theories > Conclude argument.