The speaker I admire has to be Barack Obama. I feel in most instances President Obama uses a logo style to persuade his audience. The logos style refers to a public speaker that persuades others through the wording and logic of the message. Although his most famous and memorable speeches were very emotional and moving (more of a ethos approach). President Obama speeches are clear and direct. Politics can be manipulative, complex, and argumentative. But, President Obama has the ability to clearly argue his points and reach a wide audience. The combination of his assertiveness and calm demeanor provide confidence and belief in his message. No matter what one's political views are or their opinion of our current President, I find it difficult for one to argue against President Obama ability as a fantastic communicator. His style and message has influenced millions around the world.

I think Aristotle's classification does work for President Obama. I have a hard time putting him into one category. He is such a dynamic and versatile speaker that he can weave in and out of Aristotle's classifications. His ability to switch classifications for the setting, audience, and tone of his argument make President a favorite of mine. His tone in an interview may differ than when he is speaking to millions of people. Yet President Obama continues to be consistent in being clear and concise. Qualities that I believe Aristotle would approve of.

I feel one quality than can make me a persuasive communicator is the ability to reason with opposing opinions contrast to my view of an argument. When making an argument or stating my case with others, I always try to put myself in the other person's position and try to understand what motivates them to their point of view. I feel this is always an intelligent thing to do because the other person could very well have a better opinion or solution than myself. But, I have found that if I can put myself in the other person's vantage point before I make an argument my argument tends to come off stronger. Actively listening to the other side of an argument is something a lot of people fail to do. Listening to people's counter arguments will typically open opportunities to make a stronger counter argument. Most people are concerned with what they are going to say next they miss vial clues or opportunities to relate and argue your points because they simply do not listen. I have learned this is vital to becoming influential.