Beyond Buzzword Bingo: A critical examination of genre, culture, and communication

ABSTRACT

Courses: This single-class teaching activity was designed for courses on public speaking, rhetorical criticism, and critical thinking. In addition, instructors can adapt this activity for online or face-to-face courses on intercultural communication, organizational communication, listening, and political communication.

Objectives: By completing this activity, students should be able to (a) describe the principles of generic rhetorical criticism; (b) identify buzzwords associated with specific communicative contexts and genres (e.g. political debates, commencement speeches, award acceptance speeches); (c) critically examine the rhetorical significance and underlying assumptions of these buzzwords; and (d) discuss the benefits and limitations of using buzzwords in public communication contexts.

Note on contributor

Lisa K. Hanasono is an Associate professor in the Department of Communication at Bowling Green State University.

ORCID

Lisa K. Hanasono http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6525-718X