David Randall’s “Conversational Enlightenment” explores the 18th century’s “conversation boom” in literature, philosophy, art, and society. He shows how conversation expanded beyond elites, influencing politeness, public opinion, and even art. He argues it wasn’t just chatter but a tool for shaping ideas & the Enlightenment itself. He challenges traditional views, highlighting salons & women’s role … Continue reading The Conversational Enlightenment: the Reconception of Rhetoric in Eighteenth-century Thought David Randall (2020)
Gurteen Knowledge Blog July 22, 2022, 14:36You may enjoy these three talks by Rory Stewart from the BBC Radio 4 Seriously series of audio documentaries and podcasts. In the talks, Rory looks at the history of argument and explores its importance and the fact that it is the foundation of our democracies and how we make … Continue reading The Long History of Argument A series of talks by Rory Stewart
Rhetoric is about far more than influencing people through speech. It is how we communicate effectively in our daily lives and, in addition to speech, can take the form of text, images, videos, or any other form of media. Credit: David Gurteen Posts where this quotation is embedded Chatbots to Analyze Conversations and Presentations Analysis of … Continue reading What Is Rhetoric? David Gurteen
The Oracy Lab is an experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of spoken communication for conveying meaning and co-creating a deeper understanding of the complexity and dynamics of the world. Credit: David Gurteen Posts where this quotation is embedded Chatbots to Analyze Conversations and Presentations Analysis of transcripts Cicero’s Sermo ** Conversari Conversation Covenant Creating a … Continue reading What Is an Oracy Lab? David Gurteen
Gurteen Knowledge Blog July 30, 2022, 16:14I have started to write about rhetoric in my blook though it is still a work in progress. I was never taught rhetoric in school, so I was unaware of its long history and depth. Like many people, I also tended to take a negative view of the concept, given … Continue reading Comparing Oracy and Rhetoric What’s the difference?
Gurteen Knowledge Blog October 22, 2023, 10:20I recently read an interesting article about why Plato thought debates can often be stupid and dangerous. The article argues that debate is more like a sport, with winners and losers than a sincere pursuit of truth. Debaters often use tricks like false dilemmas, personal attacks, and misdirection to “win” … Continue reading Plato’s Warning How debates can subvert truth
What Is a Real Conversation? The Value of Conversation ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Numerous words or phrases describe the varied forms of conversation and speech. This page lists some of the more common ones in alphabetic order. Posts that link to this post The Language of Conversation and Speech Digging into their … Continue reading The Language of Conversation and Speech Meanings of words describing conversation and speech
Introduction: Conversational Leadership Skills Conversational Self-awareness Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Without oracy skills, we would struggle to communicate our ideas and opinions, leading to challenges in personal and professional settings. This can include difficulty building relationships, advocating for ourselves, and contributing to group discussions. What is oracy? Simply put, oracy is the … Continue reading Oracy Is a Core Conversational Leadership Skill Communicating effectively in spoken language
Conversare Events The Dérive Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Debates are an essential part of communication, allowing for the exchange of differing viewpoints. However, understanding their various forms and purposes can be challenging. By exploring the structure and significance of debates, we can better appreciate their role in public discourse and critical thinking. … Continue reading Understanding Debates Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it
Oracy What Is the Difference Between Rhetoric and Oracy? Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Rhetoric is often construed as insincere or meaningless language that sounds clever. This is an unduly negative perspective. Rhetoric is a critical cognitive and communication skill. Introduction Simply put, the purpose of rhetoric is to influence people through speech … Continue reading Rhetoric To influence people through speech or writing
Rhetoric Introduction: the Power of Conversation Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter On the face of it, rhetoric and oracy would seem the same, but although they have much in common, they have some significant differences. What is the difference between rhetoric and oracy? At first thought, the two ideas may seem the same … Continue reading What Is the Difference Between Rhetoric and Oracy? Rhetoric is monologue, oracy is dialogue
