communication Quotes

Rhetoric can be described as the skill of finding all possible ways to persuade in any given situation. This is unique to rhetoric and not part of any other art.

The secret to humor is surprise.

The greatest thing by far is to have a command of metaphor. This alone cannot be imparted by another; it is the mark of genius, for to make good metaphors implies an eye for resemblances.

When the storytelling goes bad in a society, the result is decadence.

Of means of persuading by speaking there are three species: some consist in the character of the speaker; others in the disposing the hearer a certain way; others in the thing itself which is said, by reason of its proving,... ...

A good style must have an air of novelty, at the same time concealing its art.

Now all orators effect their demonstrative proofs by allegation either of enthymems or examples, and, besides these, in no other way whatever.

There are, then, these three means of effecting persuasion. The man who is to be in command of them must, it is clear, be able (1) to reason logically, (2) to understand human character and goodness in their various forms,... ...

The key to humor is surprising people.

All that one gains by falsehood is, not to be believed when he speaks the truth.