Final answer:
A rhetorical situation includes an exigence demanding a response, an audience capable of being influenced, and constraints that shape the communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Lloyd F. Bitzer, a rhetorical situation means that three specific conditions are present and interact to create a context for effective communication. These conditions are:
- An exigence, which is the problem or situation demanding a response.
- An audience that consists of individuals who are capable of being influenced and can mediate change.
- Constraints that include anything that can limit or shape the communication and response.
These three elements must all be appropriately addressed for communication to be considered rhetorical. In understanding the rhetorical situation, the speaker or writer analyzes these aspects and then tailors their communication to fit these specific elements. Be it through a social media post or academic writing, recognizing and adapting to these three elements can significantly enhance the effectiveness of one’s message.