Visual and Aural Rhetoric in Multimedia

In preparation for the applied learning project, we practiced using different Adobe editing tools working with visual and aural effects in multimedia. By doing this project, I was able to have a better idea about what my final project would be for the Bellamy and how I could apply visual and aural rhetoric properties to it. 

For my Audio/Visual Remediation, I focused on the rhetorical aspects of aurality in multimedia, specifically the effect of using vocal delivery and music collaboratively. In my remediation I wanted to promote the Bellamy Mansion for its use as a wedding venue. To do so, I used a slideshow of pictures to show the different ways past weddings have used the Bellamy Mansion as their venue, highlighting the beautiful fixtures and architecture that creates a romantic atmosphere. To accentuate the visual promotion, I overlayed a recording of a script describing the visual elements and their values with light, romantic music faded in the background. These aural elements were the focus of my remediation.  

The vocal delivery in my script was done with critical thought and evaluation as I discussed the Bellamy’s use as a wedding venue because of the rhetorical pull it can have in composition. Vocal delivery is a major component to sound because how a person speaks can change the effect of what we hear. “Their tone, accent, pitch, and loudness can determine how we interpret or understand what they are saying” (McKee 340). Understanding and controlling this component can be a useful tool. To do this, I used flowery words and phrases as well as a soft voice to promote the romanticism of what weddings represent. To make this even more effective, I chose a romantic, instrumental song to be played lightly in the background, that adds to the theme, but does not distract from the speech. The benefit of using music for rhetorical pull in multimodal compositions is that it is something most people are familiar with, especially to establish tone and atmosphere. “The music we listen to is shaped by and shaping of our moods” (McKee 343). The use of music in this project develops a romantic atmosphere that is in juxtaposition with the vocal delivery techniques I used in my script.

Overall, by applying these two aspects of aurality in this project for rhetorical effect, it can help add to the larger project that will be done to promote the Bellamy Mansion overall. Each part of digital composing has a different rhetorical approach, and it is beneficial to know and understand when one thing may be more effective than another.

Works Cited

McKee, Heidi. “Sound Matters: Notes toward the analysis and design of sound in multimodal

webtexts.” Computers and Composition 23 (2006) 335-354. Print.