In the last 3 posts, we’ve pondered the speaker (author), the audience, and how to craft your message (or text). If you’ve read those, congratulations! You’ve just completed a crash course in Rhetorical Criticism. These 3 components are the essence of Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle. “Sounds intriguing, but what kind of triangle is that?” Well, it’s a triangle we all use every day. Let’s…
DetailsIn the two previous posts, we’ve looked at tips for “When you’re the speaker” and “When you’re the audience”. Today we explore the 3rd and final component of the rhetorical (persuasive) triangle – the message. A great speech has a lot in common with a great symphony. The words on the page to a speaker…
Details[This is a companion to an earlier post, “When You’re the Speaker.”] Usually, when I sit in the audience and listen to a presentation, there’s a lot going on among audience members. This week was an exception. On Wednesday, I attended the CSU Collegiate Challenge (think mini Shark Tank). The speakers had a nice…
DetailsRemember giving speeches in high school? How you hated standing at the podium in front of your friends? How you were sure they’d laugh at you, point out all your weaknesses, or just plain ignore you? You’d think these experiences of fear, dread, and severe nervousness would be a thing of the past for speakers…
DetailsWhen you tell a story during a presentation, which slide is on the screen as you tell it? The truth is, I have a love-hate relationship with slide presentations. Microsoft launched Power Point in 1990, almost 26 years ago. The business world has changed dramatically as a result of this tool, for better and for…
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