Visual rhetoric is specific methods or theories used in the context of digital rhetoric. We use visual rhetoric to help get our point across. By using specific visuals we are able to convey a certain message to our audience. We can also intend for them to feel a certain way after looking at the visual we have provided. By providing images in our work we can subconsciously make our viewer feel something without them realizing. Eyman references Barthes by saying, “Barthes asserts that images function both connotatively and denotatively.” Meaning that images mean what they are, however a feeling comes with them as well. As humans we attach feelings to words which creates a deeper connection to the words we are reading.
Digital rhetoric and visual rhetoric is intertwining however they also work separately. Both can be studied and practiced, while also being able to function alone. We can use visual rhetoric to enhance our digital communication and the message we are trying to portray. However, Eyman is addressing the complications when he connects methods of production not being able to successfully engage new media. This shows that although visual rhetoric is valuable to digital rhetoric, it is not always as important.
Paul Heiker and Jason King addressed the visual rhetoric issues of Autism awareness online. Eyman says, “which shifted from ribbon to puzzle to closed infinity symbol, is a recent example of embedding traditional visual rhetoric analysis within online research” This use of visual rhetoric caused such an uproar in the community for many different reasons. For example, if you are using a puzzle piece to represent autism that is portraying that something is missing. It gives the message that people with autism are in need of fixing. However, we know this is not the case but this is a good example of how much visual rhetoric can have an effect on digital rhetoric.
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