How to Use SOAPStone for Rhetorical Analysis

Start by identifying the Speaker. This is not just the name of the author, but the persona they adopt. Ask yourself: Who is telling the story or making the argument? What are their credentials, profession, or social status? Consider their biases and how their personal history influences their perspective. In a rhetorical analysis, the speaker's identity often establishes ethos, or credibility. If the author is a scientist writing about climate change, their expertise is a critical part of the rhetorical strategy. If they are a politician, their partisan affiliation is equally relevant. Write down 2-3 traits that define the speaker's voice.

Analyze the Occasion by looking at the context surrounding the text. There are two types of occasion: the larger occasion (the broad historical or social environment) and the immediate occasion (the specific event that triggered the writing). For example, a speech might be delivered during the Civil Rights Movement (larger occasion) specifically because a new law was just passed (immediate occasion). Understanding the occasion helps you explain why the speaker chose specific rhetorical strategies at that exact moment. Without context, the argument loses its urgency and relevance.

Identify the Audience. To whom is this text directed? A speaker rarely addresses 'everyone.' Instead, they target a specific group based on shared values, geographic location, or political leanings. Determine the relationship between the speaker and the audience. Is it friendly, hostile, or neutral? Look for clues in the text, such as the use of 'we' or 'you,' and the level of technical language used. If the audience is skeptical, the speaker might rely more heavily on logos (logic) to win them over. If the audience is already supportive, the speaker might use pathos (emotion) to incite action.

Pinpoint the Purpose. This is the 'why' behind the text. What does the speaker want the audience to think, feel, or do after reading or listening? Purpose is usually an action verb: to persuade, to inform, to satirize, or to mourn. Be specific. Instead of saying the purpose is 'to talk about freedom,' say the purpose is 'to inspire citizens to vote for the upcoming referendum.' The purpose is the heart of the rhetorical analysis because every other element (the tone, the diction, the structure) is designed to serve this ultimate goal.

Finally, identify the Subject and the Tone. The subject is the main topic or idea, which should be stated in a few words. The tone is the speaker's attitude toward that subject. Tone is conveyed through diction (word choice), syntax, and imagery. Avoid generic words like 'happy' or 'sad.' Use precise descriptors like 'cynical,' 'reverent,' 'objective,' or 'incendiary.' Note how the tone might shift throughout the piece. A speaker might start with a somber tone to acknowledge a tragedy and shift to a hopeful tone to offer a solution.