Final answer:
The rhetorical situation is significant to rhetorical theory because it helps us understand the conditions and agents involved in communication and allows us to tailor our communication to fit the desired outcome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rhetorical situation is significant to rhetorical theory because it helps us understand the conditions and agents involved in communication. It allows us to analyze the genre, purpose, stance, context, and culture of a communication act. By understanding the rhetorical situation, we can effectively employ rhetorical strategies and tailor our communication to fit the audience and the desired outcome. For example, in academic writing, being aware of the rhetorical situation helps us adjust our presentation, tone, style, and other elements to suit the specific conditions of the situation.