Articles
Disagreeing Poorly
In any disagreement, how we respond matters just as much as what we believe. The French philosopher Michel de Montaigne observed: “He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.” Raising our voices, interrupting, or mocking doesn’t make our argument stronger – it makes it easier to ignore. Poor disagreement erodes relationships and shuts down dialogue. True persuasion comes from reason, not volume. Next time you find yourself in a debate, ask: Am I making a point—or just making noise? Make it a great day, dear reader, and choose reason over volume.
Rhetoric in Action
In any disagreement, we face a choice: do we argue to win, or do we converse to understand? Former President Gerald Ford put it simply: “We can disagree without being disagreeable.” Disagreeing well isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about handling it with respect. It means listening before responding, challenging ideas without attacking people, and seeking clarity rather than victory. Rhetoric isn’t just about persuasion; it’s about dialogue. The ability to disagree well is essential for meaningful conversations. Next time you disagree, ask yourself: Am I working towards mutual understanding, or just formulating my next attack? Make it a great day, dear
Introduction to Rhetoric
The Roman statesman Cicero once said: “To say the right thing in the right way at the right time is a secret of success.” Words shape our lives. They open doors, forge connections, and inspire action. Yet too often, we speak without strategy—without considering how our words affect others or whether they truly serve our goals. Rhetoric, the art of speaking well, isn’t just for politicians and poets. It’s for anyone who wants to be heard and understood. Over the next few messages, we’ll explore what it means to communicate effectively. For today, ask yourself: Are my words helping me
Simply Understood
Dear Reader, Have you ever explained something only to be met with blank stares or confusion? It’s easy to feel annoyed or discouraged, but Albert Einstein reminds us: If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough. True understanding allows us to simplify complex ideas. Clear communication isn’t just about words; it reflects how well we’ve processed the ideas ourselves. If your explanation falls short, take it as a sign to learn more, reflect, and try again. Clear thoughts lead to clear words, and that’s how understanding grows. Make it a great day, dear reader, and simplify
Be Resilient
Dear Educator, How many times have you found yourself facing the same challenge, again and again? Maybe it’s a student who just doesn’t seem to grasp the material. Maybe it’s a lesson plan that never quite comes together. Whatever the situation may be, it can be frustrating to feel like you’re not making progress. In situations like this, it may seem life is telling you to back down. The battle was fought, and defeat was the result. After all, failure is a part of the human experience, and sometimes it’s prudent to move on. Sometimes that’s exactly what needs to