Do people tend to listen to what you have to say, or do you find that your voice gets lost in the noise of a buzzing conversation? When you're speaking in a group, do you stand out as a leader, or does another person always seem to capture the audience and lead the discussion?
Some people were born with a knack for persuading and convincing others. They seem to know instinctively how to say the right things to make listeners agree with their conclusions. If you were not born with this ability, you don't need to worry! You simply need to practice the art of persuasion.
A few thousand years ago, a Greek philosopher named Aristotle identified three means of persuasion: ethos, pathos, and logos. People with a natural talent for "arguing" a case simply use these very means instinctively. The good news is that you can become just as skillful at persuading an audience! You just have to practice a little.
Why does this matter? The art of persuasion is one that you need to use in many school assignments. Any time you defend a thesis, write a speech, or participate in a school debate, you must craft a sound argument.
Comments