A Personal Touch: Exploration of Genre

  A critical component in the education of a modern scholar involves the use of skepticism and rhetorical analysis in order to understand the implications of any situation in which they find themselves. While this skill is invaluable to possess, it can be further enhanced with some simple communication with others involved in a similar position. By listening to the viewpoint of others we can in turn create a better understanding of something for ourselves, making human interaction quite critical to a great deal of things. The context in which I would like to explore this issue is within the genre of personal reviews. This genre applies to a variety of things, such as restaurants, hotels, products, and media, and can have a profound effect on our spending habits if used correctly.

  “’Microwave for One’ is not just a cookbook. It is a lifestyle. Sonia Allison gave me the confidence needed to rebuild my life.” – Drew. While searching for an easy recipe book to give my ‘culinarily-challenged’ sister for Christmas, I sifted through dozens of seemingly identical books with nothing to distinguish them. After countless minutes of tedious searching, I came across this review and knew this had to be the book for her! In an age of online shopping comes a severe limitation on one’s ability as a consumer to find a suitable product without seeing it in the flesh, it is time to adapt and learn to heed the good word of others and trust in the opinion of our fellow shoppers. The genre of ‘reviews’ includes a broad expanse of unique voices and opinions, but follows a basic guideline with conventions and standards that enable efficient communication between consumers.

  Whether it comes in the form of an inspiring product review, a cold-blooded scolding of a restaurant’s service, or a pleasant recounting of a good hotel stay, all individual reviews provide us with valuable information to assist in our decision making process. This is due to the exigence of our fellow consumer trying to find the best value for their money and passing their knowledge onto others. The audience for this genre involves others searching to find a similar product or service, which elicits a sense of camaraderie and fellowship as one attempts to persuade someone else for or against the good in question. Due to the nature of the relationship between this rhetor and his audience, reviews conventionally have a casual yet helpful tone, taking the form of a piece of friendly advice (or a dire warning of trouble). The laid back atmosphere created by this genre fulfills the purpose of attempting to persuade the reader and usually leads to a sense of trust between the writer and his audience. In addition, reviews tend to be quite concise and direct, devoid of filler or distraction which would detract from the efficiency of communication. Due to these critical factors, the genre of personal review can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to put their trust into others and make efficient and informed decisions in the process of consumerism.