Not only is it important to know how to use rhetoric
in your favor, but it is also crucial to identify when people are using
rhetoric against you. An individual who favors extremes will not receive much
support, since he will demonstrate that he is clearly more interested in his
personal benefit than in reaching a conclusion that favors the audience as
well. This is an example of an individual that lacks rhetorical virtue, which
is one of the key traits an effective rhetorician has to have. The best move to
make is to establish a stance that is right in the middle of the two extremes.
That way, neither of the two can attack you because of your position. A person
who uses this technique can be considered trustworthy and reliable. On the
other hand, a person who has a very defined position, but presents it in a very
radical or very ambiguous manner, is not to be trusted and should be treated
with extreme caution.
Seeming to be disinterested is one
of the best strategies in order to get the audience’s confidence. When the
audience begins to think that the choices you are proposing benefit him, then
he will start to trust you more and be more vulnerable to persuasion. In
addition, it is very important to analyze the desire of the person to know all
the aspects of a certain situation in order to make well-informed decisions and
make efficient choices. An individual who, under any circumstance whatsoever,
gives the same opinion, will not be very effective in persuading the audience.
As Heinrichs states, “The practically wise person sizes up the problem before
answering it” (p. 181). Demosntrating that desire to be engaged in the
situation and wanting to thoroughly comprehend the problem can lead to and
establishment of a relation between you and the audience. This relation will
create a bond, which is vital to be able to manipulate them and be able to get
them to agree with you.
The video was really good. Clinton has always been a great public speaker. Like you said a charismatic rhetorician has a better response from its audience. Although I question the veracity of the "seeming to be disinterested [strategy]", I have read it in the book as well. I guess, I will have to try it to prove its effectiveness. I have tried other rhetorical strategies Heinrichs has given us. It's tied between the ones that work and the ones that don't. Perhaps you should try some. We can compare our experiences afterwards.
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