Kairos is a word that cannot be easily defined, often having a definition based on the opinion of the rhetorical scholar. The given definitions included ideas such as “timing”, the “opportune moment”, or the sum of “contexts”. Well when considering the audience of a millennial generation, it may be important to consider the timing of the argument. The audience that I am targeting to talk about the water crisis in America is of a product of “perfect timing”. This millennial generation is at the forefront of their careers and can choose whether they could positively affect the current dilemma. By choosing an age group that is too young or too old, my argument to the audience may not take on a purposeful meaning. This would hinder the possibility of solving the problem. Therefore, I can compare myself to the analogy of the archer. I have an opportune time in which I can give my argument to the audience and effectively change their perspective on the water crisis, which also depends on the past experiences and training that I have received about the issue.
Shifting the focus to the public sphere idea, I must be able to have a “common ground” with the audience so that I am able to communicate with them effectively. This common ground is that I am of the same age group that I want to speak to. Being that I am a millennial myself, I am the most qualified to speak to this age group because I can relate with them. Using the social language of Twitter and Facebook and the meaningful language in my blog, I can present my argument to the audience in a way that we are now accustomed to. This may be the most effective way to reach the public sphere in question. However, an important part of the public sphere is having public-sphere participation. Without audience participation, my argument may not flourish and reach the entirety of the millennial audience. Therefore, if I combine giving the ability to participate to the audience, having a “common ground” on which I need to be able to reach my audience, and timing of the argument, my appeal to the audience would have the most effect.
I like that you are trying to reach an audience that you have a lot in common with. I think that will definitely help with your ability to connect and relate to them. I agree that right time to talk to people about the water crisis is now because if the problem is ignored, it will only get worse. I think that reaching millennials is a good idea because they are young enough to want to take action action and make a difference. Also, millennials are making enough money to help support the cause financially. The more young people that get involved with this campaign will help to keep people interested in the issue as they get older. I think that in this situation, the opportune moment to reach your audience is when they are young enough to devote time to the issue, but old enough to have their voice heard and respected by an older audience.
Common ground in communication is so key. For one to go into a public sphere and be effective, s/he must know the lingo of that group. Since you are a millennial, it is fitting for you to reach millennials. When I think of the presidential election of 2016, I cannot help but think that Donald Trump, though a billionaire, found common ground with working class people from across the country. He contextualized/packaged his message to reach them most effectively. He knew their fears, and he displayed himself as a sort of savior-type. We do not always have to be the same as the people we reach, but to most effectively reach a public, we must care about what they care about and see the world through their eyes. People with bloated stomachs may not want to hear about bread, but they may want to hear about how to lose the excess weight they put on. When going into a public sphere, the message must be contextualized. You will clearly do this well since you relate so well to millennials. You are a millennial. Trump packaged his message appropriately and won his audience with a message that met their needs. This is so key.