Can you combine the elements of locution in a convincing and pleasing manner? In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, some smooth talkers, including an auctioneer, and a man who doesn't talk on Sundays. Also, how to argue in style.
Deborah Tannen teaches linguistics at Georgetown and is the author of "You Just Don't Understand," and "The Argument Culture: Moving from Debate to Dialogue." She tells Judith Strasser that debate is essential in a democratic society but that the confrontational rhetoric that passes for balance in today's media is not helpful. Also, Ian Edwards, former president of Toastmasters, International gives Jim Fleming some public speaking pointers.SEGMENT 2:
Documentary film maker Jamie Otis is experimenting with silence: he has chosen not to speak on Sundays. He tells Steve Paulson why; how he responds to strangers; and that he hopes to continue the practice after his child is born. He's working on a book called "My Experiments with Silence."SEGMENT 3:
Auctioneer Larry Howe tells Jim Fleming how he uses auction patter to motivate bidders, and what happened when a man bought an encyclopedia only to find a fortune in old currency stuffed between the pages. Also, rap afficionado and professor of Afro-American studies at the University of Wisconsin, Craig Werner tells Steve Paulson what makes a good rap and how the form is evolving.Cassette copies are available at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 98-06-07-C.
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