Evolutionary Theory Applied to Communication Goals

Presentation from the 2007 NMC Symposium on Evolution of Communication

Traditional approaches to rhetoric need to be updated to respond to the increasing number of communication tools and the increasing importance of effective communication in networked environments. The application of basic concepts from evolutionary biology has potential for helping people make more effective decisions about tools, environment, and delivery. Criteria for reproductive success such as longevity, fecundity, and fidelity can be used to analyze communication goals to promote the survival and dispersion of ideas.