The Blarney Stone:
Been kissed by more people than any of us combined
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiss_the_Blarney_Stone.jpg#/media/File:Kiss_the_Blarney_Stone.jpg
I came to feel that any difference in opinion could be swallowed up in a wall of words and clever arguments, and I started to idolize those who could share their opinions professionally. However, the most persuasive argument I ever heard did not come from a politician or professor. It came from an unshaven, middle-aged man in his underwear.
The summer of my senior year, I found myself in the God-forsaken town of Lewiston, Idaho, on a week-long mini mission, designed to enhance faith and/or break the confidence of all who determined to go. The Elders, in their caustic humor, took us to the sketchiest part of town, and had me knock the first door. After a few "not interested"s, I resolved that on the next door I knocked, I would get in. This man, however, had been blessed with the art of persuasion, for he managed to turn us away with no more than two words and one very long knife. "NO. Leave." This man, standing here in his Donald-Duck boxers, had just delivered an unbeatable argument.
World's most accomplished statesman
Debate-style persuasion has its time and place, but sometimes, the most persuasive arguments are more show than tell.
What a great example of how actions can speak way louder than words. That knife packed a way bigger punch than if the man had just said, "No. Leave." Not that we want to pull knives on people, but we need to remember that effective tool when we want to persuade or make a point.
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ReplyDeleteHaha that was a great story. I had so many similar experiences on my mission in Eastern Europe. We need to remember that although we can be convincing, so can others.
ReplyDeleteIt's clear how well visual threats can be used in the art of persuasion--there are countless examples in wartime stories, public shootings, kidnappings, etc. It makes me wonder how well positive visual coercion works. We hear often that people will learn most from your example (ie: actions speak louder than words), maybe that's a lot more powerful than I originally thought.
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