One thing that I find especially interesting about human
nature is how often we use rhetoric to shape others’ opinion of ourselves. We
are constantly changing our mannerisms to reflect the person of which we want
others to see. But the rhetoric with which we use depends on whom we are trying
to influence. An example of this is how we use rhetoric to influence those in
authority’s perspective of us.
As college freshmen, most of us have a general idea as to what
kind of person we are and who we want to be. Many of us have dreams of doing something
amazing with our lives, and with that come a great deal of dedication and hard
work for those who will make those dreams become reality. Having someone in a
position of power over you can be somewhat intimidating. And something that we
always do in those situations is use rhetoric to influence that person’s
perspective of ourselves. We want them to know that we are trustworthy and
competent, so we show that to them through our language and actions. One may
say that we are being on our “best behavior.” Something that coincides with
this is the theory of Impression Management, which states that humans attempt
to influence others perceptions by regulating or controlling information in
social interactions. I find this very interesting because it’s almost like we’re
using rhetoric as a façade in order to control others’ opinions of ourselves.
But that’s just my perspective. Thoughts?
