Speech Comm

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

101
I think it's time to work on elocution. In order to have a little fun with it, and because we are such a small class, we will be reading Fox in Socks alloud until it rolls off the tongue like a State of the Union address. Open your books...


301
Continuing our discussion of the week, we've addressed sex and violence, but now I want to focus on the more subtle means of persuasion...things a cynical person may call "manipulation." You've all read, or at least opened, your book, so who'd like to chime in first?

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/sydney_bristow_/]

"Manipulation is a sneaky way of controling someone."

Sydney nods, looking around the room.

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"Well, yeah," Rory chimes in. "But sometimes it can be for the benefit of others. It doesn't have to be negative."

[http://users.livejournal.com/sydney_bristow_/]

Sydney notes this, but also thinks Rory might be slightly naive

"Usually is negative though."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"Sure, usually. But say you have a situation where someone's life is at stake - if you can manipulate the would-be murderer into submission, then it's very positive. Being able to manipulate is like any other skill - you can use it for good or bad."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

If the skill itself is amoral, why is it usually used in a negative sense? I mean, what's the difference between manipulate and convince?

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

AHA! Precisely! What do you think Jack...what's the difference?

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

I think convince has kind of the sense of using logic, and manipulate has the sense of using emotions. If you convince someone, you're arguing with them. If you manipulate someone, you're... manipulating them.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

And this goes back to the three basic appeals of Greek rhetoric, yes? Ethos, pathos, and logos.

I'm so glad you pay attention, Chip.

*Smiles at him warmly*

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

Elizabeth had been planning on remaining quiet today in this class, after yesterday's incident of knowing more than she should.

But she can't help but chime in.

"The problem with manipulation is that the manipulator is trying to get what he wants, or make a person believe something. It requires calculation, and can at times, be an almost dishonest way. In some circles, it's considered a form of pyschological abuse."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Ah, abuse of power is a definite concern. I'll have to make sure we address that before this unit is through. Thanks Elizabeth!

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I definitely agree with that. My point was just that if it can be a valuable skill in the hands of someone who will use it correctly."

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

But is it actually manipulation if it's used correctly, or does it become something else, such as persuasion, or social influence?

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"It's the same skill, no matter what you call it. A rose by any other name and all that."

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

That is true, but the negative connotations around the word "manipulation" may also lead to a negative impact on things. If I said that I was going to, say, manipulate Professor Cregg into giving me an A for this class, it would sound bad. But if I said I was going to persuade her, the whole idea of it sounds less... threatening

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"That's true. I definitely agree with that."

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

Elizabeth grins at Rory.

"Now all we have to do is persuade the student body to elect us to the council!" she laughs

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

Rory returns the grin. "Indeed - our campaign would never, ever be run on manipulation."

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

Elizabeth laughs. "I'm not adverse to bribery though. Knew a girl who campaigned with cookies once... won her the crown!" She winks at Rory

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"Oh, of course - food's a great motivator. And don't forget that we have one of the most popular restaurants in town on our side..."

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

"It is... that's why Lisa and I agreed that it should be one of the focal points of the campaign. I think she spoke to the owner of the Perkolator as well... we need to get together in the next couple of days to hash out a few more points"

[wannabelawyer.livejournal.com]

When was the last time you heard someone talk about manipulation in a positive way though?
Even if it's for someone's good, somebody else is still being manipulated so it's negative for them.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Good point Lindsey. And, can I add, people are always more upset when they feel they've been manipulated after the fact. In sales it's often called buyer's remorse. In relationships it can be a killer.

But you like law...what about the finesse it takes to convince a jury of your side...isn't that manipulation?

[wannabelawyer.livejournal.com]

I prefer to think of it as persuasion.
I always thought of manipulation as being more like forcing people into something.

Might all be semantics though. I'll have to think about that.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Ah, the power of words. Semantics...more important than you could ever imagine. Keep thinking on it Lindsey.

[marsheadtilt.livejournal.com]

Veronica agrees. She's done some manipulating in her time, but always for a good cause.