One of our tools, we used in class was Rhetorical Analysis. Through the use of Rhetorical Analysis, I was able to determine the message, the writer’s reason, and how it is supposed to engage with the audience of any article, story, anecdote, etcetera. This was a useful and helpful method for me personally, because it helped me understand specifically, (in depth) any type of reading and break it down.
In the article, Lauren Ridloff Quiet Power by Michael Pauson
Message: For anyone who cannot speak or is deaf this should not be an excuse or limit to what you are capable of, if that means getting involved into theatre because you love it you will succeed as Lauren Ridloff did without having any experience.
Writer: The writer of the article, Michael Paulson highlights very well the achievements of Lauren Ridloff with all the obstacles put in front of her. All her struggles, accomplishments, and the tough journey that was established for her with a specific disability.
Audience: Specifically, for anyone in the deaf community who is not willing to give up. Who has potential and is not afraid to try something new despite any type of defect or challenge their way.

El Deafo by Cece Bell
Mike Miller takes time out of his own to make Johnnie apologize to Cece for the disrespectful action he did towards her new curly pencil, which does catch Cece by surprise and begins to doubt his good intentions. She believes it could have possibly been because he feels bad for her like anyone else who has no problem hearing feels towards her. Cece is very sentimental when it comes to her hearing aids as she easily cries for anything that affects them. She also has trouble speaking to Mike every time as she hesitates on what to say or sometimes does not even know but gets too nervous to speak. Although, Mike Miller does want to get to know Cece and has finally learned the purpose of the hearing aids instead he decides to use them and her for bad intentions, for his benefits. However, Cece does not realize what is really going on, instead she believes s she is finally fitting in and making “friends”. Cece begins to slowly gain more confidence and realizes maybe it is not so bad after all to have hearing aids. That is what made her different from everyone else, become a diligent student, and become her own superhero.

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