Kairos and actio – a rhetorical approach to timing

This article explores timing, kairos, in human interaction by analyzing nonverbal communication. The skill of timing, being able to do “the right thing at the right time,” is important for rhetorical agency. What are the silent processes in human interaction, and how do they influence the possibili...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Marie Gelang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Polskie Towarzystwo Retoryczne/ Polish Rhetoric Society 2021-10-01
Series:Res Rhetorica
Subjects:
Online Access:https://resrhetorica.com/index.php/RR/article/view/488
Description
Summary:This article explores timing, kairos, in human interaction by analyzing nonverbal communication. The skill of timing, being able to do “the right thing at the right time,” is important for rhetorical agency. What are the silent processes in human interaction, and how do they influence the possibility for a kairotic moment to occur? Empirical material consisting of theater rehearsals has been analyzed. The findings show that the actio qualities: tempo and energy, as well as phronesis, are important factors for the appearance of a kairotic moment.
ISSN:2392-3113