We Have So Much In Common

The audience can be the key to success. When arguing, you sometimes want people to follow your ideals. That's why when persuading you want the full support of many people. By getting this you'll need extensive years of training, knowing their habitat and acting like them. Fortunately, it's simpler than that. The sixth chapter of Thank You For Arguing teaches you how to relate to the audience making them like, trust and follow you. "You simply must be seen to have the "right" values - your audience's values, that is." (57) Some how it sounds logical. People are known to trust people who share the same values with each other. Thus if you try to share the same values as your audience, they might actually be persuaded easier. Heinrichs also shows how to effectively pump your virtue for particular audiences. You should brag about yourself, reveal your tactical flaws, and changing your position when nothing's going your way.

People love to brag, even though some hate people who brag. Bragging helps "show how great you are, though it doesn't always work." (62) It's nice to share your accomplishments but tooting your own horn too many times might result into people walking away from the noise. This will surely make the audience think highly of you. Something that surprised me was the effectiveness of showing your flaws. Surely showing them might give your opponent the location of your weakness. However, according to Heinrichs, "it wins sympathy or shows the sacrifice you have made for the audience." (63) Showing you're willing show this will gain you trust from the audience. Finally, changing your side rightfully. This might save you from humiliation or might give you the reputation of a volti arepas. It's risky, that's why it's crucial for the right excuse and timing. I found these tools very interesting but at the same time controversial. Knowing how to use them might make you a savior of the people, or the villain.