Comparison of Johnson’s TED Talk and Flower’s Intercultural Rhetoric
Steven Johnson’s TED talk and Linda Flower’s concept of intercultural rhetoric share a similar motif. They note the importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives in generating ideas and solving specific challenges. According to Johnson (2010), the historical significance of spaces such as the Grand Café is of great importance. It promotes innovation and brings people together, resulting in an effective exchange of ideas.
The author claims that ideas are not random thoughts; they are the final results of interactions and connections. According to [The Ethics of Persuasive Writing], “The goal of intercultural rhetoric is to bring forth all voices in the community, regardless of education or training in persuasive communication, so that each has a place at the table…” (p. 1). This reflects Flower’s notion of intercultural rhetoric, which highlights the importance of diverse cultural perspectives in shaping discourse and solving problems.
Steven Johnson’s emphasis on the environment’s role in fostering creativity parallels Flower’s concept of intercultural rhetoric. Both emphasize the importance of creating inclusive spaces for dialogue and collaboration. Both Johnson and Flower emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding for successful communication and problem-solving. Johnson’s emphasis on empathy as a key element of persuasion is consistent with Flower’s argument that effective communication requires an understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences.
Example of Persuasive Communication
While watching TED Talks, I chose “How to Win an Argument” by Neal Katyal. The video is based on the author’s experience with Supreme Court litigation. Persuasive writing challenges the notion that confidence alone is the key to persuasion, advocating instead for the influence of empathy and connection in effective communication. This can be interpreted to mean that effective communication is generally the key to success. Persuasiveness and the ability to discern the interlocutor’s emotions generally underpin the entire conversation.
The author reinforces his speech with concrete examples and anecdotes while simultaneously demonstrating his skills in a TED Talk. It gives people what they want to hear, which is the foundation of persuasive and effective communication. I chose Neal Katyal’s TED Talk “How to Win an Argument” because it effectively showcases how empathy and connection are crucial in persuasive communication. Katyal demonstrates this through his personal experiences in Supreme Court litigation.
References
Johnson, S. (2010). Where good ideas come from. TED.
Katyal, N. (2020). How to win an argument (at the US Supreme Court, or anywhere). TED.