RA ADD and Marriage

Source: http://www.adhdmarriage.com/node/80

WATCO dealing with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) in marriage?

Audience: spouse(s) interested in dealing with ADD in their marriage. Generally a couple that is experiencing stress due to ADD in one form or another, and is reading about this on the internet blog. (Or a student that needs to do an rhetorical analysis, and thought it looked interesting.)

Argument's introduction begins with a definite contract, a set of questions to be addressed: how to get my non/ADD spouse to admit/deal with the problem.

Ethos of argument: the author is an implied expert (the site appears to be a counseling site, although the author is not given a title.) She does introduce her topic by mentioning that last night she gave a talk on ADD, and was answering questions.

She describes potential scenarios for each spouse, and how each spouse might feel, to help the audience feel that she understands them. Admits in some scenarios that she doesn't know the best way.

Pathos: Presents things in a logical step by step manner designed to help the audience feel confident in following the suggestions.

Logos: Notes that the important thing in treatment be that it works: it should not be important how. Recommends learning more about ADD on both sides, and being patient.

The points presented boil down to three or four things:
First, to learn about the disorder.
Second, to do something about it.
Third, to resolve issues in an unemotional/peaceful way.
Fourth, to be patient with impatient/ un-understanding spouse.

The argument is sufficient in addressing the questions and potential obstacles or objections to her suggestions. The suggestions are typical in form of psychology / counseling advice: very nonabrasive, suggesting common sense toneto it. The usual manner of addressing things for I have no real way of judging accuracy, other than observing that her suggestions seem reasonable. The arguments seem simple enough to motive readers to some sort of action, based on their initial inclination to find out more.