Rhetoric - An important factor

[Flipper]

So, I know that many of you hang around in forums, write blogs and articles. That's why I wanted to point out the importance of well formed rhetorics. The way we write can often reveal who we are and what are our weaknesses. This is not good and that's why it is important to train ourselves in automatic reactions protecting us from "harm".

In our matters, having a good stock of material is not always enough. During a debate some may loose their temper and therefore loose respect and credability from the rest of the readers. The more upset we seem to be the more confidence we give to the people we debate with.

Good material can be useless without a good presentation. Sometimes, while being eager to respond and defend ourselves we may answer fast and in an unstructured way. Our arguments are vanished within a minute.

The known maxin in Greek "H amathia einai kalhterh apo thn hmimathia" is something we should always have in mind. We should never use arguments about a matter that we're not sure is correct. Just because we've heard of something doesn't make us any wiser. If the person on the other side sticks to it, he will flip the situation and point you out as a forger or hit your weakness in that area of knowledge. If you don't know something for sure it is better to keep you mouth shut until you get it confirmed.

Confidence is something you should never leave out of your speech. The character of your texts has to be very precise. Don't use useless phraces that have nothing to offer. Be laconic and you will be feared.

Character, is important as well. Do not insult the others cause you're automatically lowered in their eyes and you may get enemies out of nowhere. Be gentle and show them how calm and confident you are. This spreads fear in the debate. Your profile is strengthen.

My idea with all these is to gather all our rhetorics in this thread or better in a "ONLY GREEK"-thread. We've got very skillfull people in here and i think all of us have something new to learn from each other. Spread your techniques and wisdom. Rhetorics have been a very powerfull weapon of our ancestors.

[Euklid]

Very nice topic, Flipper.

Does anyone have any information on our ancients wisdom abut rhetorics.

Their lead could be much of use.

This thread can be become an educational rhetoric scheme, if a lot of information is gathered and sectored


I remember from school, Ekthesis class, the basic tenants of a proper argument:

1.One may call upon common logic.

2.One may call upon authentia(recognised professors and historical quotes)

3.One may call upon feelings(synaisthima).

4.One may call upon his opponents logic( fallacious argument).

That is all i can remember at the moment.

Anyway duty calls, so ill get back here with a bit of research later.

[Vicki18]

Although this is my first post, I have some familiarity with the use of rhetoric ... The three artistic proofs that Aristotle taught, are still most useful to us all ... even if you never give a speech, knowledge of persuasive arguments can help to show you when other people's arguments are based on a false premise. Some people believe that the only way to make a persuasive argument is through logic, but this is not true. Depending on the topic, pathos (an emotional appeal) and ethos (the character of the speaker) can be even more powerful elements of persuasion. Character of the speaker, that Flipper talked about is one of the artistic proofs. Some later rhetors believe that this is the most powerful persuasive element because without trust in the speaker, their skill in logic, or other arguments will fall upon deaf ears. So it is always best to establish your credibility/expertise to the audience as soon as possible. Pathos is an emotional appeal to your audience ... we see this all the time in advertisements. Well I have to get back to work. See you all later!
Vicki18