“The only real alternative to war is rhetoric”. Professor
Wayne booth used this quote at a conference just after the 9/11 attacks. This
statement created waves, as it was a statement that fit the times, we lived in.
A country on the brink of war, the only alternative was rhetoric. The world is
a war-ravaged place and mix of ideas that cause a stir of emotions. But the
statement he made that day holds true.
Words can be used for persuasion or violence. The pursuit of rhetorical
thinking gives us a tool that allows for meaningful discussion and helps to
create an understanding of ideas. This chapter hits heavily on learning to
listen and think critically before you speak. The book gives a basic tool kit
for rhetorical thinking that resonates with me.
I.
How do you want to come across to your audience?
II.
What can you do to represent yourself as
knowledgeable and credible?
III.
What can you do to show respect both for your
audience and for those whose work and thinking you engage with?
IV.
How can you show that you have your audience’s
best interests at heart?
These
basic rules will help those that you wish to engage with, hear what you have to
say and think critically themselves. These guidelines though cannot force
others to listen to your ideas or take them seriously. Those that do not
question their own beliefs will never see anything wrong with the thoughts they
hold.
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