

#639: Why You Should Learn the Lost Art of Rhetoric
87 snips Aug 26, 2020
Jay Heinrichs, an expert in language and persuasion and author of "Thank You for Arguing," passionately advocates for reviving the art of rhetoric in modern education. He explores the essential elements of effective communication, emphasizing the difference between arguing and fighting. Heinrichs dives into Aristotle's tools of ethos, pathos, and logos, highlighting the importance of establishing trust with your audience. He shares techniques for memorizing presentations and offers a fun game to boost rhetorical skills, making the case for why mastering this lost art is vital today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rhetoric's Importance
- Rhetoric, the art of persuasion, influences people through words.
- It was historically taught as a core subject for leaders but declined in the 19th century.
Arguing vs. Fighting
- Arguing aims to win someone over and create consensus, fostering positive feelings.
- Fighting seeks to dominate and score points, often leaving someone feeling bad.
Handling Fighters
- When facing someone who wants to fight, focus on being the "grownup."
- Maintain composure, use humor, and appeal to the broader audience.