Are you planning to watch the presidential debate tonight? Whether you support President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris, there are numerous lessons to be learned about communication by simply observing the debate. Here are some keywords to consider as you watch.
Debate: A debate is a structured discussion where a topic or theme is presented for public dialogue, allowing the audience to hear both the pros and cons of a given situation. In this case, the nation will watch President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris discuss the issues of the day.
Every business owner, student, and leader can learn a lot about communication tactics and techniques by watching the debate. Here are seven keywords to look out for:
Claim: When someone speaks about a particular topic, they may present a statement that includes a fact. This fact may involve statistics, a case study, or a personal experience used to expand upon a given idea. During the debate, speakers are given the opportunity to add a counterclaim, allowing them to question or highlight any loopholes in the prior statement.
Listen: Listening is crucial in any debate. We have both active listening and passive listening. Active listening involves giving the other person a complete opportunity to state their viewpoints and thoughts about a given matter while maintaining objectivity. This ensures that we clearly hear what is being stated.
Fallacy: In discussions, there may be points where false claims are made. It is up to us as citizens to research and verify the materials presented by both candidates during the debates.
Persuasion: Both candidates aim to persuade us with their pedagogy, rhetoric, and citizenship, ensuring that what they say comes from a heartfelt place. Regardless of the outcome, both candidates will face challenges if they become president.
Business owners face similar challenges in persuading individuals that they are the solution providers for the challenges they face. Here are five ways to positively persuade an individual:
Hierarchy of Needs: Many of us are motivated by the hierarchy of needs that Maslow discusses, such as fear, basic needs, and desires. Consider the commercials you've seen about campaigns against smoking, drinking and driving, or violence. These ads have influenced your decisions as consumers.
Emotional Appeal: Use emotional appeal to connect with your audience. This involves understanding their needs and desires and addressing them in a way that resonates emotionally.
Credibility: Establish credibility by providing evidence and facts to support your claims. This builds trust and persuades your audience to believe in your message.
Consistency: Be consistent in your messaging. Consistency helps reinforce your message and makes it more memorable to your audience.
Call to Action: Encourage your audience to take action. A clear call to action motivates them to respond to your message and engage with your brand or cause.
As you listen and are persuaded, it is your responsibility to do your homework and truly understand whether either candidate aligns with your values. You can always research to ensure that what you hear is factual. Will you watch the debate tonight? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
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