Asking questions is a common practice in our daily communication, it creates an opportunity for discussions and debates, but what about questions that don't require any answer? Have you ever been asked a question that you knew the answer to, but couldn't respond with a straightforward answer? Maybe you were dealing with a rhetorical question without even realizing it. A rhetorical question is a type of inquiry that’s asked, not to gather information, but to make a statement or express an opinion, which leads to a more profound reflection on the subject at hand. Although these questions may seem redundant, they serve a valuable purpose in language and rhetoric, allowing speakers and writers to emphasize their point and engage their audience in a thought-provoking way. Let's dive deeper into this topic and explore the art of asking questions without seeking answers.
What Is the Saying for Stating the Obvious?
The idiom “stating the obvious” is a common phrase that describes the act of saying something that’s already clear or evident to everyone. When someone states the obvious, they’re often pointing out something that’s so apparent that even a child could understand it. This expression is often used in a negative context, as it suggests that the speaker isn’t adding anything new to the conversation or is stating something that’s unnecessary.
This expression is used to indicate that the speaker isn’t providing any new insights or value to the discussion. For example, if someone were to say “the sky is blue,” this would be considered as a classic example of stating the obvious, as virtually everyone knows that the sky is blue.
Some people may use the phrase to criticize or shame others who’re stating the obvious. In some cases, this may be done to mock or belittle the speaker, suggesting that they aren’t adding any value to the conversation. In other cases, it may be used to subtly suggest that the speaker isn’t intelligent or insightful enough to add something new to the conversation.
Overall, the use of this phrase should be seen as a means of providing clarity and simplicity to discussions or conversations.
Examples of How the Phrase “Stating the Obvious” Is Used in Different Contexts, Such as in Business, Politics, and Everyday Conversations.
- “We need to increase sales in order to make more money.” – This is an example of stating the obvious in a business context.
- “The sky is blue.” – This is an example of stating the obvious in an everyday conversation.
- “We should provide affordable healthcare to everyone.” – This is an example of stating the obvious in a political context.
Now that we’ve a clear understanding of the meaning of the word “obvious,” it’s important to explore it’s implications and how it functions within our everyday communication. After all, relying on something being “obvious” can often lead to miscommunication or assumptions that may not actually be true. Let’s dive deeper into this concept and it’s significance.
What Does It Mean to Say Something Is Obvious?
We use the word obvious to describe situations, events or ideas that are clearly understood without the need for further explanation. For instance, if someone says, “It’s obvious that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow,” you’d think, “Yes, of course, thats obvious.”
However, what one person deems obvious may not be so for others. Something may be plain to see and easily understandable to one person, but not to another. Our individual experiences, perspectives and knowledge can shape the way we perceive things, and what seems obvious to one may not be so for someone else.
Moreover, what’s considered to be obvious isn’t immutable. An idea or fact may become widely known and understood over time, and what was once considered obscure or mysterious may become completely obvious. Similarly, new discoveries or developments may cause something once thought to be obvious to be re-assessed in a new light.
For instance, if a person is told that their argument is “obvious,” it may be perceived as dismissive or even insulting. To them, their argument may have been something they’d worked hard on, and the idea that it’s so basic that it doesn’t deserve discussion may be hurtful.
However, what’s deemed obvious can vary from person to person, and what’s obvious now may not have been so in the past, or may be re-evaluated in the future. It’s important to consider the impact of using the word obvious in various contexts, as it can be perceived as dismissive or insulting in some situations.
Source: Obvious – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
Now that we understand the meaning behind the phrase “stating the obvious,” we can explore how we can use it in our everyday language to convey our thoughts and opinions effectively. But before we dive into that, let’s take a moment to appreciate the image above and try to decipher what it represents.
How Do You Use Stating the Obvious?
Stating the obvious is a phrase we commonly use to describe situations where someone makes a statement that’s so redundant that it doesn’t serve any purpose. Most often, it’s used in a negative context as a criticism of someone who’s either lacking the creativity or the insight to come up with something more interesting or relevant. For instance, in a business meeting, stating the obvious can be very frustrating and counterproductive, especially when the speaker keeps repeating the same thing over and over again, without adding any new value to the conversation.
On the other hand, there are situations where stating the obvious can be a powerful communication tool. For example, in an emergency situation, the ability to state the obvious can save lives. By telling people precisely what they need to do to stay safe, you can prevent panic, confusion, and ultimately, chaos. In public speaking or writing, stating the obvious can also be useful for clarifying complex ideas, breaking down big concepts into simpler terms, and reaching a broader audience that may not be familiar with the topic.
However, when it comes to creative writing, stating the obvious is often seen as a major flaw. If you’re a writer, your ultimate goal is to tell a story or express a message that’s unique and relatable. You want your readers to feel emotionally connected to your characters, to experience the world you’ve created, and to reflect on the themes you’re exploring. Simply stating the obvious in your writing can be boring and predictable, and it can quickly disengage your readers from the story. Instead, you need to find new and innovative ways to express your thoughts, to create a sense of intrigue and wonder that will keep your readers captivated until the very end.
So, what does it mean for an image to be obvious? In the realm of photography and visual art, the concept of obviousness can be more challenging to define. While some images may appear straightforward or predictable, the interpretation of an image is always subjective and dependent on the individual viewers experiences and perspectives. Therefore, what may seem obvious to one person may not be apparent to another. Some artists intentionally create images that challenge the viewers expectations, playing with the idea of misdirection and ambiguity. Others rely on more traditional techniques, such as sharp focus, contrast, and symmetry, to create images that are aesthetically pleasing and perfectly composed.
Examples of When Stating the Obvious Can Be Detrimental to Effective Communication.
- When information is repeated unnecessarily, it can become tedious and decrease interest or attention.
- If obvious information is presented as the main point, it can detract from more important or complex messages.
- Stating the obvious can be perceived as patronizing or insulting to the audience’s intelligence.
- It may make the speaker or writer appear unprepared or lacking in original ideas.
- In some cases, stating the obvious can lead to misunderstandings or confusion if it oversimplifies or overlooks important details.
Conclusion
Ultimately, rhetorical questions serve the purpose of making a statement or emphasizing a point rather than eliciting a response. These questions are often used in speeches, presentations, debates, and everyday communication to engage the listener and encourage them to think critically about a certain topic. While the answer to a rhetorical question may be obvious or even unnecessary, the question itself can be a powerful tool in drawing attention to a particular issue or idea.
