Jens E. Kjeldsen | University of Bergen (original) (raw)

Papers by Jens E. Kjeldsen

Argumentation, Apr 21, 2015

Rhetorica Scandinavica, Sep 23, 2022

Res Rhetorica, Dec 30, 2023

Res Rhetorica, 2023

This paper demonstrates the connections between certain cultural traits of Scandinavia, a scholar... more This paper demonstrates the connections between certain cultural traits of Scandinavia, a scholarly interest in rhetorical practice and the workings of rhetoric, and a recent interest in audience-oriented research methods. Scandinavia is characterised by a tradition of practical rhetoric, egalitarianism, high trust, and low scores on power distance and masculinity in Hofstede’s culture comparison tool. This, I suggest, is reflected in an interest in the everyday pragmatic functions and workings of rhetoric, paving the way for the use of audience research.

Rhetorica Scandinavica

This article offers a rhetorical analysis of the addresses delivered by six Northern European mon... more This article offers a rhetorical analysis of the addresses delivered by six Northern European monarchs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. The analysis establishes a new genre with distinctive traits and functions: They royal crisis address. This genre has two constitutive traits: To demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and to constitute the citizens and encourage them to behave in the right way. The genre also has three optional traits: to provide thanks, to empathise with those affected, and to reassure and inspire the nation. In a national crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic, these rhetorical functions will also be performed by national leaders, however, because of the apolitical position and charismatic and historical power of the royals in the North European monarchies the royals can perform these functions with a special authority. We describe how this is done through the five functions and through epideictic and constitutive rhetoric.

Rhetorica Scandinavica

This article offers a rhetorical analysis of the addresses delivered by six Northern European mon... more This article offers a rhetorical analysis of the addresses delivered by six Northern European monarchs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. The analysis establishes a new genre with distinctive traits and functions: They royal crisis address. This genre has two constitutive traits: To demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and to constitute the citizens and encourage them to behave in the right way. The genre also has three optional traits: to provide thanks, to empathise with those affected, and to reassure and inspire the nation. In a national crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic, these rhetorical functions will also be performed by national leaders, however, because of the apolitical position and charismatic and historical power of the royals in the North European monarchies the royals can perform these functions with a special authority. We describe how this is done through the five functions and through epideictic and constitutive rhetoric.

Rhetorical research in the three Scandinavian countries has made contributions to the study of po... more Rhetorical research in the three Scandinavian countries has made contributions to the study of political communication, representing approaches that are not often found in research coming from the social sciences or from more systemic, theory-based orientations. Rhetoric, both as an ancient tradition and as a modern discipline, tends to emphasise close study of actual pieces of communicationverbal, visual, or otherwise. This rarely leads to quantitative, generalisable findings, but instead to observations and conceptualisations of phenomena-which may then be studied from quantitative and empirical angles. Often, rhetorical studies will have a normative tilt, based on notions of democracy, deliberation, and the public sphere-often with an eye for malfunctions and possible remedies. A growing literature of studies in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway tend to share some of these characteristics. At the same time, rhetorical scholars in Scandinavia recognise the value of empirical observation and have made contributions of their own in that regard, for example, in the field of reception studies.

Rhetorical research in the three Scandinavian countries has made contributions to the study of po... more Rhetorical research in the three Scandinavian countries has made contributions to the study of political communication, representing approaches that are not often found in research coming from the social sciences or from more systemic, theory-based orientations. Rhetoric, both as an ancient tradition and as a modern discipline, tends to emphasise close study of actual pieces of communicationverbal, visual, or otherwise. This rarely leads to quantitative, generalisable findings, but instead to observations and conceptualisations of phenomena-which may then be studied from quantitative and empirical angles. Often, rhetorical studies will have a normative tilt, based on notions of democracy, deliberation, and the public sphere-often with an eye for malfunctions and possible remedies. A growing literature of studies in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway tend to share some of these characteristics. At the same time, rhetorical scholars in Scandinavia recognise the value of empirical observation and have made contributions of their own in that regard, for example, in the field of reception studies.

Retorikförlaget AB eBooks, May 1, 2011

Retorikförlaget AB eBooks, May 1, 2011

International Review of Pragmatics, Jun 11, 2018

Visuals are generally considered to be rich in information, but also to be open to many different... more Visuals are generally considered to be rich in information, but also to be open to many different interpretations. As a consequence, many argumentation scholars doubt that visuals can constitute argumentation (e.g. Fleming, 1996; Johnson, 2003, 2010; Patterson, 2010). In this paper, we argue that the rhetorical and argumentative potential of visuals and multimodal texts is strengthened if they belong to recognizable genres, genres being governed by discourse-internal factors as well as situational/pragmatic understanding. The genre of traffic signs can draw on specific genre conventions thanks to these signs' highly coded nature. As a consequence, traffic signs constitute an exemplary category to make the point that visuals and multimodal texts can function rhetorically or even argumentatively. We support our claim by first analysing a number of unusual instances of the genre and then discussing a few visual and multimodal signs whose argumentative potential no longer depends on specific traffic-related circumstances but crucially depends on the pretence that they are traffic signs. * We are indebted to the guest editors of this special issue, Assimakis Tseronis and Chiara Pollaroli, as well as to two anonymous reviewers, for their comments on earlier versions of this paper and for alerting us to pertinent sources. visual and multimodal rhetoric in unusual traffic signs

International Review of Pragmatics, Jun 11, 2018

Visuals are generally considered to be rich in information, but also to be open to many different... more Visuals are generally considered to be rich in information, but also to be open to many different interpretations. As a consequence, many argumentation scholars doubt that visuals can constitute argumentation (e.g. Fleming, 1996; Johnson, 2003, 2010; Patterson, 2010). In this paper, we argue that the rhetorical and argumentative potential of visuals and multimodal texts is strengthened if they belong to recognizable genres, genres being governed by discourse-internal factors as well as situational/pragmatic understanding. The genre of traffic signs can draw on specific genre conventions thanks to these signs' highly coded nature. As a consequence, traffic signs constitute an exemplary category to make the point that visuals and multimodal texts can function rhetorically or even argumentatively. We support our claim by first analysing a number of unusual instances of the genre and then discussing a few visual and multimodal signs whose argumentative potential no longer depends on specific traffic-related circumstances but crucially depends on the pretence that they are traffic signs. * We are indebted to the guest editors of this special issue, Assimakis Tseronis and Chiara Pollaroli, as well as to two anonymous reviewers, for their comments on earlier versions of this paper and for alerting us to pertinent sources. visual and multimodal rhetoric in unusual traffic signs

Springer eBooks, 2022

Arguably, one of the defining traits of an expert is certainty of knowledge. So, what happens whe... more Arguably, one of the defining traits of an expert is certainty of knowledge. So, what happens when experts in a critical situation in public simultaneously must recognize uncertainty about knowledge and the situation and argue for specific policies and actions? This has been the challenge for many national health experts during the COVID-19 crisis. We examine such argumentative strategies by asking: what are the argumentative strategies used when attempting to secure and bolster the ethos of expertise when an expert must also acknowledge uncertainty and insufficient knowledge? The chapter examines such argumentative strategies by health authorities participating in debate and interview programs. Contrary to previous research our findings indicate that the health experts do acknowledge uncertainty, often explicitly, and also do it as a way of bolstering their ethos. Firstly, our analyses point to two ways of introducing and expressing uncertainty and lack of knowledge. Secondly, our analyses point to six ways of delimiting and qualifying the expressed uncertainty in a way that rebolsters the expert's authority and ethos of expertise.

Argumentation, Apr 21, 2015

Rhetorica Scandinavica, Sep 23, 2022

Res Rhetorica, Dec 30, 2023

Res Rhetorica, 2023

This paper demonstrates the connections between certain cultural traits of Scandinavia, a scholar... more This paper demonstrates the connections between certain cultural traits of Scandinavia, a scholarly interest in rhetorical practice and the workings of rhetoric, and a recent interest in audience-oriented research methods. Scandinavia is characterised by a tradition of practical rhetoric, egalitarianism, high trust, and low scores on power distance and masculinity in Hofstede’s culture comparison tool. This, I suggest, is reflected in an interest in the everyday pragmatic functions and workings of rhetoric, paving the way for the use of audience research.

Rhetorica Scandinavica

This article offers a rhetorical analysis of the addresses delivered by six Northern European mon... more This article offers a rhetorical analysis of the addresses delivered by six Northern European monarchs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. The analysis establishes a new genre with distinctive traits and functions: They royal crisis address. This genre has two constitutive traits: To demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and to constitute the citizens and encourage them to behave in the right way. The genre also has three optional traits: to provide thanks, to empathise with those affected, and to reassure and inspire the nation. In a national crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic, these rhetorical functions will also be performed by national leaders, however, because of the apolitical position and charismatic and historical power of the royals in the North European monarchies the royals can perform these functions with a special authority. We describe how this is done through the five functions and through epideictic and constitutive rhetoric.

Rhetorica Scandinavica

This article offers a rhetorical analysis of the addresses delivered by six Northern European mon... more This article offers a rhetorical analysis of the addresses delivered by six Northern European monarchs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. The analysis establishes a new genre with distinctive traits and functions: They royal crisis address. This genre has two constitutive traits: To demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and to constitute the citizens and encourage them to behave in the right way. The genre also has three optional traits: to provide thanks, to empathise with those affected, and to reassure and inspire the nation. In a national crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic, these rhetorical functions will also be performed by national leaders, however, because of the apolitical position and charismatic and historical power of the royals in the North European monarchies the royals can perform these functions with a special authority. We describe how this is done through the five functions and through epideictic and constitutive rhetoric.

Rhetorical research in the three Scandinavian countries has made contributions to the study of po... more Rhetorical research in the three Scandinavian countries has made contributions to the study of political communication, representing approaches that are not often found in research coming from the social sciences or from more systemic, theory-based orientations. Rhetoric, both as an ancient tradition and as a modern discipline, tends to emphasise close study of actual pieces of communicationverbal, visual, or otherwise. This rarely leads to quantitative, generalisable findings, but instead to observations and conceptualisations of phenomena-which may then be studied from quantitative and empirical angles. Often, rhetorical studies will have a normative tilt, based on notions of democracy, deliberation, and the public sphere-often with an eye for malfunctions and possible remedies. A growing literature of studies in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway tend to share some of these characteristics. At the same time, rhetorical scholars in Scandinavia recognise the value of empirical observation and have made contributions of their own in that regard, for example, in the field of reception studies.

Rhetorical research in the three Scandinavian countries has made contributions to the study of po... more Rhetorical research in the three Scandinavian countries has made contributions to the study of political communication, representing approaches that are not often found in research coming from the social sciences or from more systemic, theory-based orientations. Rhetoric, both as an ancient tradition and as a modern discipline, tends to emphasise close study of actual pieces of communicationverbal, visual, or otherwise. This rarely leads to quantitative, generalisable findings, but instead to observations and conceptualisations of phenomena-which may then be studied from quantitative and empirical angles. Often, rhetorical studies will have a normative tilt, based on notions of democracy, deliberation, and the public sphere-often with an eye for malfunctions and possible remedies. A growing literature of studies in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway tend to share some of these characteristics. At the same time, rhetorical scholars in Scandinavia recognise the value of empirical observation and have made contributions of their own in that regard, for example, in the field of reception studies.

Retorikförlaget AB eBooks, May 1, 2011

Retorikförlaget AB eBooks, May 1, 2011

International Review of Pragmatics, Jun 11, 2018

Visuals are generally considered to be rich in information, but also to be open to many different... more Visuals are generally considered to be rich in information, but also to be open to many different interpretations. As a consequence, many argumentation scholars doubt that visuals can constitute argumentation (e.g. Fleming, 1996; Johnson, 2003, 2010; Patterson, 2010). In this paper, we argue that the rhetorical and argumentative potential of visuals and multimodal texts is strengthened if they belong to recognizable genres, genres being governed by discourse-internal factors as well as situational/pragmatic understanding. The genre of traffic signs can draw on specific genre conventions thanks to these signs' highly coded nature. As a consequence, traffic signs constitute an exemplary category to make the point that visuals and multimodal texts can function rhetorically or even argumentatively. We support our claim by first analysing a number of unusual instances of the genre and then discussing a few visual and multimodal signs whose argumentative potential no longer depends on specific traffic-related circumstances but crucially depends on the pretence that they are traffic signs. * We are indebted to the guest editors of this special issue, Assimakis Tseronis and Chiara Pollaroli, as well as to two anonymous reviewers, for their comments on earlier versions of this paper and for alerting us to pertinent sources. visual and multimodal rhetoric in unusual traffic signs

International Review of Pragmatics, Jun 11, 2018

Visuals are generally considered to be rich in information, but also to be open to many different... more Visuals are generally considered to be rich in information, but also to be open to many different interpretations. As a consequence, many argumentation scholars doubt that visuals can constitute argumentation (e.g. Fleming, 1996; Johnson, 2003, 2010; Patterson, 2010). In this paper, we argue that the rhetorical and argumentative potential of visuals and multimodal texts is strengthened if they belong to recognizable genres, genres being governed by discourse-internal factors as well as situational/pragmatic understanding. The genre of traffic signs can draw on specific genre conventions thanks to these signs' highly coded nature. As a consequence, traffic signs constitute an exemplary category to make the point that visuals and multimodal texts can function rhetorically or even argumentatively. We support our claim by first analysing a number of unusual instances of the genre and then discussing a few visual and multimodal signs whose argumentative potential no longer depends on specific traffic-related circumstances but crucially depends on the pretence that they are traffic signs. * We are indebted to the guest editors of this special issue, Assimakis Tseronis and Chiara Pollaroli, as well as to two anonymous reviewers, for their comments on earlier versions of this paper and for alerting us to pertinent sources. visual and multimodal rhetoric in unusual traffic signs

Springer eBooks, 2022

Arguably, one of the defining traits of an expert is certainty of knowledge. So, what happens whe... more Arguably, one of the defining traits of an expert is certainty of knowledge. So, what happens when experts in a critical situation in public simultaneously must recognize uncertainty about knowledge and the situation and argue for specific policies and actions? This has been the challenge for many national health experts during the COVID-19 crisis. We examine such argumentative strategies by asking: what are the argumentative strategies used when attempting to secure and bolster the ethos of expertise when an expert must also acknowledge uncertainty and insufficient knowledge? The chapter examines such argumentative strategies by health authorities participating in debate and interview programs. Contrary to previous research our findings indicate that the health experts do acknowledge uncertainty, often explicitly, and also do it as a way of bolstering their ethos. Firstly, our analyses point to two ways of introducing and expressing uncertainty and lack of knowledge. Secondly, our analyses point to six ways of delimiting and qualifying the expressed uncertainty in a way that rebolsters the expert's authority and ethos of expertise.

PalgraveMacMillan, 2019

his book provides students, researchers, and practitioners of speechwriting with a unique insight... more his book provides students, researchers, and practitioners of speechwriting with a unique insight in the theory, history, and practice of speechwriting. The combination of theory and practice with case studies from the United States and Europe makes this volume the first of its kind. The book offers an overview of the existing research and theory, analysing how speeches are written in political and public life, and paying attention to three central subjects of contemporary speechwriting: convincing characterization of the speaker, writing for the ear, and appealing with words to the eye. Chapters address the ethics and the functions of speechwriting in contemporary society and also deliver general instructions for the speechwriting process. This book is recommended reading for professional speechwriters wishing to expand their knowledge of the rhetorical and theoretical underpinnings of speechwriting, and enables students and aspiring speechwriters to gain an understanding of speechwriting as a profession.

This book examines the reception of rhetoric and the rhetoric of reception. By considering salien... more This book examines the reception of rhetoric and the rhetoric of reception. By considering salient rhetorical traits of rhetorical utterances and texts seen in context, and relating this to different kinds of reception and/or audience use and negotiation, the authors explore the connections between rhetoric and reception. In our time, new media and new forms of communication make it harder to distinguish between speaker and audience. The active involvement of users and audiences is more important than ever before. This project is based on the premise that rhetorical research should reconsider the understanding, conceptualization and examination of the rhetorical audience. From mostly understanding audiences as theoretical constructions that are examined textually and speculatively, the contributors give more attention to empirical explorations of actual audiences and users. The book will provide readers with new knowledge on the workings of rhetoric as well as illustrative and guiding examples of new methods of rhetorical studies.

"Retorikk er noe vi alle utfører. Det er verken manipulasjon eller blomstrende språkbruk, det er ... more "Retorikk er noe vi alle utfører. Det er verken manipulasjon eller blomstrende språkbruk, det er heller ikke overføring av mening, selv om alt dette kan være retorisk. Retorikk er å handle med språk og kommunikasjon. Det er å få dine medmennesker til å føle, tenke og handle på bestemte måter. Det går ikke en dag uten at du forsøker å påvirke andre eller andre forsøker å påvirke deg, derfor går det ikke en dag uten retorikk.
I denne boken forklarer Norges eneste professor i retorikk hva retorikk er, og forteller hvorfor retorisk innsikt og evne ikke bare er et vesenstrekk ved mennesket, men også en forutsetning for det gode samfunnet."

Les innledningen her: http://issuu.com/universitetsforlaget/docs/hva_er_retorikk?e=3370254/7776242

Rhetorica Scandinavica, 2019

The rhetoric of shame has become predominant in the public sphere. This is especially the case in... more The rhetoric of shame has become predominant in the public sphere. This is especially the case in immigration debates. Here citizens express shame over the way their nation treats immigrants and refugees, or argue that others ought to be ashamed of themselves because of their treatment of foreigners. This article study the rhetorical use of shame and the reactions and counter argumentation to such appeals. I examine one month's press coverage of the immigration debate in Denmark. Based on this I establish four forms of rhetorical shame and three forms of rhetorical reactions to the demand for shame. The four forms are: felt individual shame, ascribed individual shame, felt collective shame, and ascribed collective shame. The three forms of rhetorical reactions are: referring to established facts, counter attack on opponents tone and style, and populist accusation of elitism. My analysis suggests that the rhetorical use of shame in public debate is neither effective nor a beneficial to a good deliberative debate. My study also suggests that the use of shame as a rhetorical performative language game, may-over time-contribute to a rhetorical working through that influences our attitudes and acts in a beneficial way.

Verdens første mottageranalyse må ha vært beskrivelsen av menneskelige karakteregenskaper ut i fr... more Verdens første mottageranalyse må ha vært beskrivelsen av menneskelige karakteregenskaper ut i fra aldersklasser og skjebnevilkår som Aristoteles gir i Retorikken. Men generelt er det sparsomt med retoriske utforskninger av publikum. Med noen få unntak er de fleste retoriske studier taler- eller tekstorienterte. Og når retorikere faktisk diskuterer mottagerne, er de mest opptatt av publikum som en
teoretisk eller tekstlig konstruksjon. De undersøker det universelle publikum (C. Perelman), kommunikasjonens second persona (E. Black), ytringers impliserte eller konstituerte publikum (M. Charland, M. C. McGee), det publikum som overses eller utelates (P. Wander) eller de teoretiserer over
tilhørerens kognitive prosessering av budskaper (W Benoit/M.J. Smythe). Kun i begrenset omfang behandler retorisk forskning den faktiske resepsjonen av retorikken. I våre dager gjør nye medier og kommunikasjonsformer det vanskeligere enn før å skille mellom avsender og mottaker; og mottagerens og brukerens aktivering og involvering er viktigere enn noen sinne tidligere. Derfor argumenterer dette paper for at retorikkforskningen bør revurdere sin forståelse, begrepsliggjøring og undersøkelse av mottageren. Fra fortrinnsvis å tenke på publikum som en teoretisk konstruksjon som utforskes tekstlig og spekulativt, bør vi i høyere grad utforske reelle mottagere og brukere empirisk.

Det er en tydelig tendens i norsk medievitenskapelig sammenheng at den i utgangspunktet begresede... more Det er en tydelig tendens i norsk medievitenskapelig sammenheng at den i utgangspunktet begresede fokusering på fjernsynsdebatt overser debattenes egentlige kjerne, som er argumentasjonen. Med utgangspunkt i retorikken drøftes norske eksempler på politisk argumentasjon som inneholder potensielt uredelig strategier. Svarer slike typer uredelighet seg i politiske temadebatter?

Om retorikk og regi i valgkamp på TV I 1984 skulle den aldrende amerikanske president Ronald Reag... more Om retorikk og regi i valgkamp på TV I 1984 skulle den aldrende amerikanske president Ronald Reagan i presidentkampanjen debattere med sin motstander Walter Mondale.

Research on the use of digital presentation technologies (DPT), such as PowerPoint, have increase... more Research on the use of digital presentation technologies (DPT), such as PowerPoint, have increased dramatically over the last fifteen years. Still, not much is known about lecturers’ attitudes towards such technologies. This paper presents a survey of the attitudes that lecturers at the University of Bergen hold towards digital presentation technologies and their use of these technologies. The survey shows that ninety-two percent of the respondents apply these tools in their lectures. The empirical material also consists of many qualitative comments (762).

This material shows that there are three different functions such technology can have in teaching: to support the preparation of lectures, as a manuscript during lectures, and as a visual pedagogic aid. Furthermore, the material shows that the lecturers have a conscious and reflective use of such technologies. We discuss, on the basis of the respondents’ answers, what characterizes an informed use of digital presentation technologies, and identify some concrete aspects of such informed use.

Kåre Willoch. Et debattskrift (red. Kristin Clement & Harald Stanghelle), 2008

Om Kåre Willochs retorikk i taler, tekster og debatt

Forelesningen har tradisjonelt vært et verbalt anliggende. Det talte ordet hersket. Nå møter fore... more Forelesningen har tradisjonelt vært et verbalt anliggende. Det talte ordet hersket. Nå møter foreleseren krav om IKT-basert og multimodal undervisning. Men hva skjer med forelesningen og læringen lysbildene tar over?

Rhetorica Scandinavica 65, 2014

Retorikkeksperter i skandinavisk dagspresse 2001–2010. Gjennom en analyse av 589 artikler fra 18 ... more Retorikkeksperter i skandinavisk dagspresse 2001–2010. Gjennom en analyse av 589 artikler fra 18 aviser i perioden 2001–2010 undersøker denne artikkelen hvilken rolle retorikkeksperter har fått i skandinavisk dagspresse. Sentrale forskningsspørsmål er hvem retorikkekspertene er, hvor ofte de uttaler seg, hvilke temaer de uttaler seg om, og hvorvidt de formidler egne forskningsresultater eller kommenterer aktuelle nyhetssaker. Hovedfunnet er at bruken av retorikkeksperter i dagspressen er økende, og at denne typen eksperter først og fremst hentes inn for å kommentere politiske taler og debatter. Analysen viser også at retorikkeksperter fra det private konsulentmarkedet ofte opptrer i svenske aviser, mens de danske og norske avisene i hovedsak henter sine retorikkeksperter fra akademia.

"English title:
Engcandinavian Newspapers 2001–2010"
English Abstract:Through an analysis of 589 articles from 18 newspapers during the period of 2001–2010, this article examines the role of rhetorical experts in Scandinavian media. Key research questions are: Who are the experts? How often do they comment? What do they comment upon? Do they talk about their own research, or do they mostly comment on current affairs? The main finding is that the use of rhetorical experts in newspapers is increasing, and that this kind of experts primarily are requested to comment on political speeches and debates. The analysis also shows that Swedish newspapers often use private consultants as rhetorical experts, while the Danish and Norwegian newspapers mainly use researchers."

Journalistica, 2013

I januari valåret 2010 publicerade Svenska Dagbladet en grupp- bild av alla åtta partiledare. Bil... more I januari valåret 2010 publicerade Svenska Dagbladet en grupp- bild av alla åtta partiledare. Bilden är ett exempel på planerad fotojournalistik, men också ett exempel på hur bilders betydelse kan förändras och ges nya tolkningar jämfört med den ursprung- liga avsikten. Artikeln analyserar arbetsprocessen bakom bilden utifrån observationer och intervjuer, dess iscensättning och rela- tion till bildjournalistikens normer och traditioner. Det utgår från teorier om pseudohändelser och ikoniska bilder, och analyserar fotografiets estetiska och retoriska kvalitéer. Resultatet visar att processen bakom bilden inrymmer en rad ambivalenser i bild- journalisternas självförståelse och syn på pressfotografi. Det visar också att den process som skapar ikoniska bilder är komplicerad och oförutsägbar. Mediernas representationer av politiker kan planeras, men också omtolkas i mötet med publiken.

Forskningsveiledning på master- og doktorgradsnivå (red.) Olga Dysthe og Akylina Samara. Oslo: Abstrakt forlag

Tre veier til god tilbakemelding på studenttekster

Rhetorica Scandinavica 60, 2012

In argumentation theory pictures traditionally has been considered unable to function as argument... more In argumentation theory pictures traditionally has been considered unable to function as argumentation. In this text Jens E. Kjeldsen analyses and critiques the assumption that argumentation is tied to explicit verbal communication, and that the semiotic character of pictures makes pictorial argumentation impossible. We should rather, he proposes, consider argumentation as performative communication acts; and because pictures can perform the role of enunciation and communicative action, they can also perform argumentation.

Rhetorica Scandinavica 48, 2008

This article addresses the question of how rheto-rical studies should deal with a world which has... more This article addresses the question of how rheto-rical studies should deal with a world which has becomemore fragmented, changeable and complex than ever before.First part describes central characteristics of such a society and suggests the challenges this poses for the study of rheto-ric. Second part discusses theories about the rhetorical situa-tion in order to determine how they are able to treat such asociety. Third part proposes three ways rhetorical researchmay approach the fragmented, changeable and complex world.

Rhetorica Scandinavica

Jens E. Kjeldsen 11. septembers visuelle retorik E n tirsdag morgen klokken 08:46 opstår en retor... more Jens E. Kjeldsen 11. septembers visuelle retorik E n tirsdag morgen klokken 08:46 opstår en retorisk situation i New York. Nogen har fløjet et passagerfly ind i World Trade Center. Godt et kvarter senere rammer et andet fly. Der hersker forvirring, kaos og usikkerhed, og mest af alt hersker der frygt, raedsel og magtesløshed.

Rhetorica Scandinavia 41, 2007

From the beginning rhetoric has been accused of being an art of effective and dishonest manipulat... more From the beginning rhetoric has been accused of being an art of effective and dishonest manipulation. Especially appeals to emotions and sensa- tions have been criticised. Throughout the history of communication, visual rhetoric has been perceived as especially problematic, because it is perceived as both stronger and more manipulative than other rhetorical appeals.
In this article Jens E. Kjeldsen outlines similarities between the critiques of rhetoric and visual communication. He describes dichotomies which have linked both verbal and visual rhetoric with emotional appeals, shal- low aesthetic form, subliminal communication, a powerless audience and powerful communication. The article shows that such dichotomies, as well as the belief in the power of eloquence and of the visual, can be found in Gorgias’ Encomium of Helen, a speech which contains the firstknown theorizing about the power of eloquence and the visual.

Retorikkens relevans (Red. Ø. Andersen & K.L. Berge)

Opfattelse af visuelle og auditive medieindtryk som overførsel af meddelelser hersker stadig i ma... more Opfattelse af visuelle og auditive medieindtryk som overførsel af meddelelser hersker stadig i mange medievidenskabelige studier. Men menneskers oplevelse af den sanselige umiddelbarhed som findes i lyd og billeder forklares ikke tilfredsstillende gennem lingvistiske, strukturalistiske og semiotiske teorier om budskab og indhold. Der er noget ved billeder og lyd som ikke afkodes som mening eller betydning, noget som i stedet blot vækker resonans, genklang.

Arr - Idéhistorisk tidsskrift 2, 2003

En gang om året samles den øverste ledelsen for Universitetet i Oslo til seremoniel høytidsstund ... more En gang om året samles den øverste ledelsen for Universitetet i Oslo til seremoniel høytidsstund på Universitetsplassen. Det akademiske kollegium møter frem i sorte kapper og dekanene kler seg i fakultetenes kapper med fargede slag. Rektor stiller seg på talerstolen og universitetsdirektøren stiller seg ved siden av. Nå skal årets nye studenter hilses behørig velkommen.

Artikkelen undersøker hvilket budskap rektorene gir til studentene i talene fra 1990 til 2003.

Rhetorica Scandinavica 20, 2000

I undersøgelsen af megen visuel politisk retorik synes den traditionelle lære ompolitisk rådgiven... more I undersøgelsen af megen visuel politisk retorik synes den traditionelle lære ompolitisk rådgivende (deliberativ) retorik ofte ikke at strække til som analyseredskab.I denne artikel argumenterer Jens E. Kjeldsen for at retorikken i mange visuelt ogæstetisk dominerede politiske ytringer i stedet med fordel kan forstås gennem den retoriske lære om påpegende (epideiktisk) retorik.

Working paper, no. 44, Department of Media Studies, University of Bergen, 2003

Den 25. august 1997 klokken 20:59 bryter TV2 det norske regelverket for kringkastingsreklame. Kan... more Den 25. august 1997 klokken 20:59 bryter TV2 det norske regelverket for kringkastingsreklame. Kanalen sender et reklameinnslag for Fremskrittspartiet. Innslaget viser en valgurne og hender som legger først pengesedler og siden stemmesedler i urnen. Imens sier en off--screen stemme: Høyre får støtte med 4,2 millioner kroner av NHO---medlemmenes penger. Arbeiderpartiet får støtte med 10,2 millioner kroner av LO---medlemmenes penger. Fremskrittspartiet får støtte fra det norske folk. Vi takker for tilliten. Godt valg. Deretter vises Fremskrittspartiets emblem. Med henvisning til både det norske regelverk for kringkastingsreklame og markedsføringsloven, ber Forbrukeombudet TV2 om å stanse innslaget og ikke sende det igjen. Både TV2 og Fremskrittspartiet er uenige i at innslaget er ulovlig. Likevel bestemmer forbrukerombudsmannen seg for å forby innslaget. Deretter følger nesten et år med juridisk torvtrekkeri og offentlig debatt om verdien av og problemene med politisk fjernsynsreklame. Det

Norsk medietidsskrift 1, 2013

Bergens Tidende, Nov 5, 2014

Det bør handle om mer enn tall og folkelig appell når man diskuterer en festival som skal gjøre b... more Det bør handle om mer enn tall og folkelig appell når man diskuterer en festival som skal gjøre byen til ledende arena for
samtidskunst. Om Bergen Assembly i den nasjonale pressedekningen.

Prosa (06-2012)

"Du må jo blogge om forskningen din," blir forskere ofte fortalt. Men må vi virkelig det? Bloggin... more "Du må jo blogge om forskningen din," blir forskere ofte fortalt. Men må vi virkelig det? Blogging er antitesen til forskning. Så dt er gode grunner til at forskere ikke blogger; men det er også gode grunner til å gjøre det likevel.

Bergens Tidende, Sep 8, 2013

Hvis du mener at våre politikere bare driver med uforståelig tåkeprat, bør du følge nøyere med.

Bergens Tidende, Dec 15, 2011

Bergens Tidende, Aug 6, 2013

Bilder er ikke ord. De verken snakker eller skriver. Det må vel bety at vi ikke kan argumentere m... more Bilder er ikke ord. De verken snakker eller skriver. Det må vel bety at vi ikke kan argumentere med bilder? Eller?

RetorikMagasinet 87, 2013

Minerva, 30. januar 2013

er professor i retorikk ved Universitetet i Bergen.

Journal of Risk Research, 2022

The concept of transparency has been problematized in risk research. This exploratory study contr... more The concept of transparency has been problematized in risk research. This exploratory study contributes to the risk literature by considering an established three-dimensional transparency framework (information substantiality, accountability, and participation) and discussing the opportunities for and challenges to risk communication in relation to the framework. Furthermore, we examine the strategies of Scandinavian health authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the different levels of public trust in these authorities. In general, Norwegian authorities received higher levels of trust than their Swedish and Danish counterparts. We argue that this was partly due to differences in transparency management. Our findings support the importance of the three transparency dimensions and indicate that transparency regarding uncertainties positively impacts levels of trust.

The pandemic of argumentation , 2022

For public health promotion to succeed, popular support is necessary and the chosen policies and ... more For public health promotion to succeed, popular support is necessary and the chosen policies and measures have to be perceived as legitimate by the public. In other words, health authorities need to build on and sustain established trust when they recommend a certain policy. When the policy is criticized, this trust is challenged, and the authorities enter into a negotiation of credibility (ethos). In this article, we research a particular instance of such negotiation, drawing lessons for health promotion and for COVID-19 communication. We study a Norwegian television debate in which an MD presented harsh criticism of the health authorities' chosen crisis response in the early phase of the pandemic. Unpacking the rhetorical constitution of the expert ethos of the MD and of the health authorities, respectively, we find that representatives of the authorities are more open to participation and better at connecting to everyday experiences than the MD, who primarily builds her expert ethos on mastery of scientific language and methods, combined with alarmist rhetoric. Further, we identify main tenets of the public's reception of the debate through an analysis of 1961 tweets that commented on the program. The analysis indicates that public health authorities might maintain high levels of trust by rhetorically cultivating their positions within institutional and (social) media networks of expertise.

The pandemic of argumentation , 2022

Arguably, one of the defining traits of an expert is certainty of knowledge. So, what happens whe... more Arguably, one of the defining traits of an expert is certainty of knowledge. So, what happens when experts in a critical situation in public simultaneously must recognize uncertainty about knowledge and the situation and argue for specific policies and actions? This has been the challenge for many national health experts during the COVID-19 crisis. We examine such argumentative strategies by asking: what are the argumentative strategies used when attempting to secure and bolster the ethos of expertise when an expert must also acknowledge uncertainty and insufficient knowledge? The chapter examines such argumentative strategies by health authorities participating in debate and interview programs. Contrary to previous research our findings indicates that the health experts do acknowledge uncertainty, often explicitly, and also do it as a way of bolstering their ethos. Firstly, our analyses point to two ways of introducing and expressing uncertainty and lack of knowledge. Secondly, our analyses point to six ways of delimiting and qualifying the expressed uncertainty in a way that rebolsters the expert's authority and ethos of expertise.