The Mathematics of Persuasive Communication
by Philip Yaffe
At first glance mathematics and persuasive communication - writing, and particularly public speaking - would seem to have little in common. After all, mathematics is an objective science, whilst speaking involves voice quality, inflection, eye contact, personality, body language, and other subjective components.
However, under the surface they are very similar.
Above anything else, the success of an oral presentation depends on the precision of its structure. Mathematics is all about precision. It is therefore not so odd to think that applying some of the concepts of mathematics to oral presentations could make them substantially more effective.
As they say in the film industry, three key factors go into making a successful movie: the script, the script, and the script. Likewise, three key factors go into making a successful speech: the structure, the structure, and the structure.
Not convinced? Then let's start with something less radical.
I think we can all agree that good speaking is related to good writing. If you can write a good text, then you are well on your way to preparing a good oral presentation. Therefore, if you improve your writing, you will also improve your speaking.
To simplify matters, from now on we will talk mainly about good writing, because is most cases the same ideas apply directly to good speaking.
Know what you are doing
Many commercial companies do not live up to their potential - and sometimes even go bankrupt - because they fail to correctly define the business they are in.
Perfume companies, for example, do not sell fragrant liquids, but rather love, romance, seductiveness, self-esteem, etc. Bio-food companies do not sell organic produce, but rather honesty, purity, nature, etc. Automobile manufacturers do not sell transportation, but rather freedom, adventure, spontaneity, prestige, etc. The fact is, each industry, even each individual product, may have to determine what it is truly all about - and there are thousands of them!
Writers are lucky. There are numerous variations to what we do, but there are really only two fundamental types of writing. It is important to recognise this, because not only are they quite different, in some respects they are exactly opposite. So unless we clearly recognise which type of writing we are doing - and how it differs from the other one - we will almost certainly commit serious errors.
Philip currently teaches a course in good writing and public speaking in Bruseels Belgium. His book In the 'I' of the Storm: the Simple Secrets of Writing and Speaking (Almost) like a Professional
(http://www.hodu.com/maths.shtml)
interesting...im going to ask my commerce students to do an oral presentation based on this.
Sep 7, 2009
Sep 6, 2009
beyond description
i dont know how to best lament about this.
i was strucked by a realisation.magically, i didnt feel any disappointment.only a clear understanding of the matter at hand.
i mentioned about my Gentleman.and how i was excited by that.i thought that this time it would turn out good.and yes it did at first.but after engaging with him for quite a few days now, i feel that maybe i have mistaken my own sentiment.i actually feel that he is a lost cause.
i thought that by being close will erase the gaps. but then it widen.
suddenly i feel that he was not the person i met and liked.he is so different.i cant remember why i was smitten at the first place.i cant remember why i liked him.i dont even know why i ever feel the way i feel.he is so different and i dont know him all that much anymore.
but then again, probably he has been that way all this time.and again, people change.why should i expected that they be the same anyway. i changed-everybody changed, so why should i make an exception when it concerns him?actually.i can live with that.
so i guess, it is easier for me to walk away for good.knowing that now i can call him a friend.a real friend.no more no less.
that's the end of this chapter.period.
i was strucked by a realisation.magically, i didnt feel any disappointment.only a clear understanding of the matter at hand.
i mentioned about my Gentleman.and how i was excited by that.i thought that this time it would turn out good.and yes it did at first.but after engaging with him for quite a few days now, i feel that maybe i have mistaken my own sentiment.i actually feel that he is a lost cause.
i thought that by being close will erase the gaps. but then it widen.
suddenly i feel that he was not the person i met and liked.he is so different.i cant remember why i was smitten at the first place.i cant remember why i liked him.i dont even know why i ever feel the way i feel.he is so different and i dont know him all that much anymore.
but then again, probably he has been that way all this time.and again, people change.why should i expected that they be the same anyway. i changed-everybody changed, so why should i make an exception when it concerns him?actually.i can live with that.
so i guess, it is easier for me to walk away for good.knowing that now i can call him a friend.a real friend.no more no less.
that's the end of this chapter.period.
Sep 5, 2009
Kekurangan, Pilihan dan Kos Lepas
now what are these?
these are economics terms used to explain how sources are use in economy.
Kekurangan is a condition where you have several choices,however because of the deficiency, you are only allowed to choose one thing.The one you choose must be that-which maximises profit and beneficial to others-depends which system u are following. Pilihan is the choice you made. Kos Lepas is the thing you have to let go after the choosing process.Simple terms,basic economics.
well,actually that's also the basic principle in life.where you have to choose from the options available and have to let go of something in the process. Because we cant have too many things at one go.it must be one at a time or not at all.we have to make smart decision at all times in order to minimise dissatisfaction, discontentment or worst-heartbreak.
now who said economics has nothing to do with philosophy?we actually learn a lot from things we do and see. even, we can apply it to everyday life.Like this one.a very thought provoking concept-so to speak.
and why i blogged it down?because-when i took the subject years before, i fell head over heel in love with it.i got some of my personality traits from economics as well.though, for all the wrong reason.im a language teacher for heaven sake.;o).i find economics very philosophical and practical at the same time.Something uncomplicated.something i can relate.
im writing about it because i was thinking about something, and all of a sudden it popped in my head.it practically soothes me off my not so comforting thought.which iam very grateful.
so the moral is: whenever you decide on something, dont regret.try to make it works.Because what you choose to do is probably the best option for you and eveyone else..at the time.
these are economics terms used to explain how sources are use in economy.
Kekurangan is a condition where you have several choices,however because of the deficiency, you are only allowed to choose one thing.The one you choose must be that-which maximises profit and beneficial to others-depends which system u are following. Pilihan is the choice you made. Kos Lepas is the thing you have to let go after the choosing process.Simple terms,basic economics.
well,actually that's also the basic principle in life.where you have to choose from the options available and have to let go of something in the process. Because we cant have too many things at one go.it must be one at a time or not at all.we have to make smart decision at all times in order to minimise dissatisfaction, discontentment or worst-heartbreak.
now who said economics has nothing to do with philosophy?we actually learn a lot from things we do and see. even, we can apply it to everyday life.Like this one.a very thought provoking concept-so to speak.
and why i blogged it down?because-when i took the subject years before, i fell head over heel in love with it.i got some of my personality traits from economics as well.though, for all the wrong reason.im a language teacher for heaven sake.;o).i find economics very philosophical and practical at the same time.Something uncomplicated.something i can relate.
im writing about it because i was thinking about something, and all of a sudden it popped in my head.it practically soothes me off my not so comforting thought.which iam very grateful.
so the moral is: whenever you decide on something, dont regret.try to make it works.Because what you choose to do is probably the best option for you and eveyone else..at the time.
Sep 3, 2009
he is just not that into you
i read the book.it was loaded with the dos and donts of relationship.
first, i was excited to finish it.but halfway through, i begin to get bored.it doesnt excite me all that much anymore.
relationship should be learn through trial and error.there's no wrong or right.it's right when it's right and wrong when you think that it's wrong.
Human nature is not something fix.it changes over time.the best way is to try and learn, unlearn and re-learn again.there is not a signpost that you can say something for sure.
but some part of it is a real insight. like the usual excuses the guys always use to avoid being in a relationship with one person.But knowing that, i become more of a sceptic.judging everything i actually see in daily life.
and one part of the book discuss about how does a shitty relationship looks like.which i guess common occurence.sometime we want to be in a relationship so much that we ignore what is staring us in the eyes.we keep on giving excuses because we are not confident to let the relationship go.we keep on holding on because we think we ought to give it a chance.That's when it comes to unfulfilling relationship.you didnt get any satisfaction from it, and it makes you less productive in daily dwelling.Sometime, we want to be in a shitty relationship just to be in with the crowd.sometimes, because we're too self conscious of what other people will say, and we do not want to be in the limelight for all the wrong reason..i.e:being dumped for tons of reason imaginable.so, it's better to suffer than being the object of scrutiny.
That's why for me, being single is the best option.though im not saying that it's not ok to be in a relationship.but you must understand the terms and conditions first.you can not just be in one just because everybody is in it. you can not just simply assume that relationship is as easy as what you see in TV or read in a novel.When you do that, it means that you are hoping too much and will let yourself go through supossed hardship because you think it's normal to do that.
there are tons of dirty works to be done to make it work.and mind you, relationship is no soap opera.because its main core is emotion.and it can get real complicated.
that's why i rather not play the part.because i can stand the emotional mess.i've seen people going through a very bad one..it gets ugly everytime.
for me if a person couldnt be bother to treat you with all due respect, what's the point of pursuing it?is it normal thing to be in an abusive relationship?or in a relationship where you are the only one pulling all the strings?or you are the only one who is willing to sacrifice?
let's not be philosophical about it.let just be practical.the most important thing is, when the relationship gives you certain degrees of personal meaning, which you can relate, and it benefits everyone involves, then what the heck?just dive in head first.
but if not, then maybe he is just not that into you.which is just probably the best time to bid him adieu.
first, i was excited to finish it.but halfway through, i begin to get bored.it doesnt excite me all that much anymore.
relationship should be learn through trial and error.there's no wrong or right.it's right when it's right and wrong when you think that it's wrong.
Human nature is not something fix.it changes over time.the best way is to try and learn, unlearn and re-learn again.there is not a signpost that you can say something for sure.
but some part of it is a real insight. like the usual excuses the guys always use to avoid being in a relationship with one person.But knowing that, i become more of a sceptic.judging everything i actually see in daily life.
and one part of the book discuss about how does a shitty relationship looks like.which i guess common occurence.sometime we want to be in a relationship so much that we ignore what is staring us in the eyes.we keep on giving excuses because we are not confident to let the relationship go.we keep on holding on because we think we ought to give it a chance.That's when it comes to unfulfilling relationship.you didnt get any satisfaction from it, and it makes you less productive in daily dwelling.Sometime, we want to be in a shitty relationship just to be in with the crowd.sometimes, because we're too self conscious of what other people will say, and we do not want to be in the limelight for all the wrong reason..i.e:being dumped for tons of reason imaginable.so, it's better to suffer than being the object of scrutiny.
That's why for me, being single is the best option.though im not saying that it's not ok to be in a relationship.but you must understand the terms and conditions first.you can not just be in one just because everybody is in it. you can not just simply assume that relationship is as easy as what you see in TV or read in a novel.When you do that, it means that you are hoping too much and will let yourself go through supossed hardship because you think it's normal to do that.
there are tons of dirty works to be done to make it work.and mind you, relationship is no soap opera.because its main core is emotion.and it can get real complicated.
that's why i rather not play the part.because i can stand the emotional mess.i've seen people going through a very bad one..it gets ugly everytime.
for me if a person couldnt be bother to treat you with all due respect, what's the point of pursuing it?is it normal thing to be in an abusive relationship?or in a relationship where you are the only one pulling all the strings?or you are the only one who is willing to sacrifice?
let's not be philosophical about it.let just be practical.the most important thing is, when the relationship gives you certain degrees of personal meaning, which you can relate, and it benefits everyone involves, then what the heck?just dive in head first.
but if not, then maybe he is just not that into you.which is just probably the best time to bid him adieu.
ramadhan kareem
the blessed month is here.
time to improve oneself, and improve one's ibadah.
Ramadhan has always been a sentimental time for me.simply for the fact that, usually i spent Ramadhan some place away from home.and when it comes to iftar in the evening, i feel real sad listening to the Azan.not really sad, but it touched me profoundly.and yet now, when i hear the Calling during Maghrib, it is not as touching as i used to remember. Maybe, we should give training to the muazzin so they can inject some more beauty in it.
Usually i dont eat much.I eat what is there. Ramadhan is really a great time to jimat.Dont have to cook many things, dont have to eat like three times a day.Just suffice eating during the berbuka only.im not the kind of person who eats the whole night, so..yeah, it's good month.
But the most important thing is, Ramadhan helps to improve many things, especially in relation to spiritual aspect.not only for the physical well being, but the emotional well being as well.strengthening beliefs and internalising good acts.i really hope im able to do something meaningful, for me and for everyone around.Insyaallah
time to improve oneself, and improve one's ibadah.
Ramadhan has always been a sentimental time for me.simply for the fact that, usually i spent Ramadhan some place away from home.and when it comes to iftar in the evening, i feel real sad listening to the Azan.not really sad, but it touched me profoundly.and yet now, when i hear the Calling during Maghrib, it is not as touching as i used to remember. Maybe, we should give training to the muazzin so they can inject some more beauty in it.
Usually i dont eat much.I eat what is there. Ramadhan is really a great time to jimat.Dont have to cook many things, dont have to eat like three times a day.Just suffice eating during the berbuka only.im not the kind of person who eats the whole night, so..yeah, it's good month.
But the most important thing is, Ramadhan helps to improve many things, especially in relation to spiritual aspect.not only for the physical well being, but the emotional well being as well.strengthening beliefs and internalising good acts.i really hope im able to do something meaningful, for me and for everyone around.Insyaallah
Sep 2, 2009
the course, my vision and my Gentleman
yeah, well.
finished the course with mixed feeling.berani-berani takutlah. takut fail.even if everybody seems to have the opinion that they feel the same about the course, but still.i still feel the tremor bubbling up inside.im not sure about it at all.and it's not a good feeling.unsure.unsettled.i can think of many words to describe it. but then again, there is nothing i can do about it now.the worst part is having to wait for the result to come out.
My vision?hehe.nothing fancy.finally i am persuaded to do something about my blindness.got myself a new eyes.the world is certainly a better place to live.brighter and crystal clear.i can see like miles ahead.Great!!!funny as well.yesterday i was looking at my colleague and suddenly i can see his expression from far.This person has a very good smiling expression although he is not smiling. so for the first time i feel shy because for the first time i saw him looking at me with that expression.i dont know what to do. i blushed(for heaven sake!)before this i cant see all that, but now..hmm, it crystal.haha.gilalah.and i feel more power when i stand lecturing in the class.i can see everybody and its size seems to shrink.im certainly a superhuman..;o)
My Gentleman?what about him..it's a long story to tell.during the course, i met somebody who reminds me of him. The way he laugh, his face,basically everything about him is a cruel reminder of my Gentleman.and it only makes me longed to see him again. So, on saturday, i was hanging out with my friend in Alamanda, when i suddenly caught a glimpse of him.Happy and excited. i do all the crazy things a girl would do for the person she really like.i even bought the magazine which he said he was working with. Now he is working in some other magazine, which im thinking of buying as well..crazy is what crazy do..;o)i dont know why i do it.i just know that i really like this person.really do.my only regret is why we didnt met again sooner than this?and we didnt even cross path when he was working in here.he even went to my hometown.and i missed him.the funny thing is im such a nervous wreck when he is around. i couldnt stand properly, couldnt say anything, couldnt do anything, feeling like vomitting and feeling out of place.such is the condition i am when i really like the person. but i still want to be around him.he is my ghost.a very attractive ghost at that;o)
oh what the heck.
i dont know.
i know im a little bit crazy right now.
just for a note: i named him my Gentleman because there is a poem by Colleridge which mention about the existence of a Gentleman from Porlock-it refers to a gentleman who come to Mr Colleridge's house while he was writing a poem. When the gentleman appeared it had made him forget all the lines he wanted to write for his poem.In my term Gentleman from Porlock refers to someone who robbed me of my sanity, distrupted the rational side of me and made everything seems blurry.Made me forget about everything but him.Only him.That's my Gentleman.
come to think of it, all the occurences had injected good spirit back into my life.it added more colours.;o)
finished the course with mixed feeling.berani-berani takutlah. takut fail.even if everybody seems to have the opinion that they feel the same about the course, but still.i still feel the tremor bubbling up inside.im not sure about it at all.and it's not a good feeling.unsure.unsettled.i can think of many words to describe it. but then again, there is nothing i can do about it now.the worst part is having to wait for the result to come out.
My vision?hehe.nothing fancy.finally i am persuaded to do something about my blindness.got myself a new eyes.the world is certainly a better place to live.brighter and crystal clear.i can see like miles ahead.Great!!!funny as well.yesterday i was looking at my colleague and suddenly i can see his expression from far.This person has a very good smiling expression although he is not smiling. so for the first time i feel shy because for the first time i saw him looking at me with that expression.i dont know what to do. i blushed(for heaven sake!)before this i cant see all that, but now..hmm, it crystal.haha.gilalah.and i feel more power when i stand lecturing in the class.i can see everybody and its size seems to shrink.im certainly a superhuman..;o)
My Gentleman?what about him..it's a long story to tell.during the course, i met somebody who reminds me of him. The way he laugh, his face,basically everything about him is a cruel reminder of my Gentleman.and it only makes me longed to see him again. So, on saturday, i was hanging out with my friend in Alamanda, when i suddenly caught a glimpse of him.Happy and excited. i do all the crazy things a girl would do for the person she really like.i even bought the magazine which he said he was working with. Now he is working in some other magazine, which im thinking of buying as well..crazy is what crazy do..;o)i dont know why i do it.i just know that i really like this person.really do.my only regret is why we didnt met again sooner than this?and we didnt even cross path when he was working in here.he even went to my hometown.and i missed him.the funny thing is im such a nervous wreck when he is around. i couldnt stand properly, couldnt say anything, couldnt do anything, feeling like vomitting and feeling out of place.such is the condition i am when i really like the person. but i still want to be around him.he is my ghost.a very attractive ghost at that;o)
oh what the heck.
i dont know.
i know im a little bit crazy right now.
just for a note: i named him my Gentleman because there is a poem by Colleridge which mention about the existence of a Gentleman from Porlock-it refers to a gentleman who come to Mr Colleridge's house while he was writing a poem. When the gentleman appeared it had made him forget all the lines he wanted to write for his poem.In my term Gentleman from Porlock refers to someone who robbed me of my sanity, distrupted the rational side of me and made everything seems blurry.Made me forget about everything but him.Only him.That's my Gentleman.
come to think of it, all the occurences had injected good spirit back into my life.it added more colours.;o)
Sep 1, 2009
Mind over matters
well, actually it is a variation of positive thinking.The idea of positive thinking is you actually verbalise what you want your body and mind to do, so it becomes. The same with mind over matters, where you control what you are doing or the things around you by giving some sort instruction.This instruction will be internalised in your brain and you will do the things you think subconciously.
why i suddenly mention this?because during the course, i can sense that most people are talking about how to use the positive energy to get positive aura for yourself.some even demonstrate the concept of mind over matters.everybody was excited by that.havent they heard about it before?i guess not.though it is hardly a magic.it's a way of thinking.
all i can say is-i have been a fan of the concept for quite some time now, and have no trouble understanding the concept.It's just that when so many people talked about it in one time it becomes less attractive.now that i have rediscover the concept again, the urge to find some books related to it is immense.
so i guess i have to start looking for one.
for more info:http://www.williamjames.com/Folklore/MINDOVER.htm
why i suddenly mention this?because during the course, i can sense that most people are talking about how to use the positive energy to get positive aura for yourself.some even demonstrate the concept of mind over matters.everybody was excited by that.havent they heard about it before?i guess not.though it is hardly a magic.it's a way of thinking.
all i can say is-i have been a fan of the concept for quite some time now, and have no trouble understanding the concept.It's just that when so many people talked about it in one time it becomes less attractive.now that i have rediscover the concept again, the urge to find some books related to it is immense.
so i guess i have to start looking for one.
for more info:http://www.williamjames.com/Folklore/MINDOVER.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)