Enthymemes allow any argument to be explained better, depicted more thoroughly, and takes the reasoning to the next level. Through repeating, symbolizing, contextualizing, analyzing, and ironizing, the argument is brought to life through anything that the appeals to the senses and the audience can understand.
For example, in the PowerPoint presentation, “Science Classes: Double the Work, Half the Time,” repetition is one of the most frequently used forms of juxtaposition. Repetition is described as using words or imagery to “say” something; this is shown in slide 3, as pictures of a lecture and a lab appear, repeating what is narrated when the speaker explains what two components make up a science class. Repetition is also used on slide 14, as business and international studies classes are discussed, and similar images appear “repeating” what is being said. This is also done by using the “4’s” to repeat how many hours average classes are worth and using the “19” to repeat the narrator’s description of the maximum number of hours a freshman can take at DU. On slide 6, an enormous, red “2x” takes up the entire screen as the speaker tries to grab the attention of his or her audience. He or she is explaining how much more time and work a science class takes compared to the credit one receives. This large font and the attention-grabbing color exaggerates this fact and tries to persuade the audience into thinking twice more work is ridiculous. Repetition literally allows two senses to take in one message simultaneously, as the argument is being seen and heard.
Secondly, symbolizing is pretty easy, effective, and entertaining. This is the most frequently used form of juxtaposition in the PowerPoint presentation, using imagery that provides a metaphor to the words being spoken by the narrator (or vice versa). This can be seen in slide 4, as a calendar depicts the weekly schedule of a college student at DU and when and for how long each class takes place. Four, small classes appear very early in a week, and a bigger picture of a lab appears once to represent the extra work that goes into a science class. Slide 12 also uses symbols to allow the reader to further understand what the narrator means. As he or she describes a typical DU student being “well-rounded,” multiple and diverse subjects surround the adult in a circle formation. This symbolizes a person out of college, in the job field, and the numerous subjects they learned in school benefiting them later on in life. Using a symbol in one’s argument will allow the audience to visualize the situation on a deeper level than repetition, and provides clearer understanding for what is being said.
Analyzing is a bit more difficult as the imagery reveals the underlying logic of words, or vice versa. In slide 9, images of complex sciences are shown to depict the difficulty of science, and in comparison, images of photography and fashion design appear. These display the less demanding and complicated subjects that receive the same amount of credit as an intense science class worth double the time. While this is not said, the images force the reader to analyze photography and fashion design’s complexity in comparison to the intricate science of understanding science. It then becomes obvious to many that taking pictures or drawing outfits may not take as much time or determination as understanding the chemical makeup of a chemical or the names of thousands of muscles. As analyzing digs into multiple layers of what is being said, it asks the audience to understand what is being implied as they use their past experiences and understandings to make a judgment about what is being presented. Analyzing makes the viewer think more deeply about the argument through concrete, sensory images.
Lastly, ironizing uses words or imagery that are juxtaposed in a surprising, thought-provoking way to allow the audience to understand the argument. This can also be analytical and much harder to understand at first. In slide 7, images of Tiger Woods, Eliot Spitzer, David Letterman, Bill Clinton, and other famous figures who have had affairs appear. The narrator simultaneously describes the taunting a science student receives when he or she cannot go out and “make bad decisions with everyone else.” While John Edwards may not actually show up at your dorm to make fun of you for not partying every Thursday night, it humorously describes people who are having fun and enjoying themselves while putting the science student down, using well-known celebrities and politicians with terrible track records to do so. Using ironic, provocative, or challenging concepts to further understand someone’s point can grab their attention while making them recognize the fundamental message.
Using image and sound to further one’s point can be effective in various ways. Thus, if you’re going to make an argument and want whomever you’re trying to persuade to listen, remember to use a simple and effective use of enthymemes to easily portray your argument. Your audience will be bound to pay attention.
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