Power of Persuasion

Applying the power of persuasion to our tactics used communication can benefit in many ways. I have asked as I read through the book Thank You for Arguing, "Is rhetoric just a modest way of manipulation?" I believe it just depends. Class examples of rhetoric have shown me tactics used by society to reach an audience. People might hear what you say, but rhetoric almost assures you that people will listen. The goal of rhetoric is to get to the audience.

I was sitting in Psychology a few days ago and the lecture was about the causes and effects of stroke and Alzheimer's. The teacher gave his own personal examples of his mother and grandmother. I have noticed I retained more information from the lecture than my classmates. When my classmates ask me how I remember everything, my answer is that "I relate". I relate to my Psychology teacher because my mom had a stroke and my great grandmother had Alzheimer's. Yes, I am more interested in the subject regardless, but I specifically remember how I felt and how much more I craved to know. All because I related to the topic of discussion. Even though the teacher may not have realized, his speaking drew me in through his use of Pathos.

Arguing using the power of persuasion and rhetoric will at least get your audience thinking. Some rhetors use factual evidence by putting a dramatic spin to "wow" the audience. In my Communications lecture, the example on the board was how a speaker got ahold of their audience using a statistic saying "such and such is three times more likely to happen if this is the case." The speaker gave the fact, but the numbers were 2.2% up to 6.6%. Yes, that may be a fact, but it is not really as relevant as the speaker made it seem to the audience. In class today, the example of "Over 90% of Planned Parenthood deals with abortion" was not true. Manipulation comes from me, as an audience, trusting the sources used by the speaker. It is always important to do your research.

Pathos, Logos, and Ethos were the main points made in Chapter 4. Everyone wants to make a successful point and be heard. Using logic, ethics, and emotion will connect to your audience. As a speaker, it is so important to do research on whom you are speaking to. It is not smart to go into a group of homosexuals with a sign saying "God Hates Fags". This example in class opened my eyes to how offensive a speaker can be. Well, it is clear that whoever spoke in that instance was heard. But, no logical individual would listen to who is holding that sign. Where in the Bible does it say "God Hates Fags?" The answer is, no where. God commands followers to love everyone. So, that person looks stupid, is committing a foolish and offensive act, and has nothing but their opinion backing it up. How affective is that?

Tactics used by rhetors may be biased. Question the rhetors point of view and do your research. It is always important to be thinking about who you choose to listen to. As a rhetor, use Pathos, Logos, and Ethos, along with other specific tactics to reach your audience. To be successful, have good intentions as well. Nick Naylor, as we all know, was good at getting people to listen to him. But questioning him is how others were able to call him on his BS. The power of persuasion is such a useful tool. In society, there are many persuading poor ideas, and others persuading positive ideas. It all depends on what you believe.