Being persuasive, Part II

A couple of weeks ago I pointed out that Climate Progress had begun an occasional series on "Why scientists aren't more persuasive." The first installment made the point that there are three simple principles to communicating effectively with the public:

• Simple language
• Repetition, repetition, repetition
• Metaphor and irony

In the second installment of the series, we get some especially important advice.

Debates are typically won by the candidate who presents the most compelling and persuasive character. If I can convince you I'm an honest, straight talker, you'll believe what else I say. If can't, you won't.

That's right folks. Debates aren't won by the person who has the strongest arguments and the greatest volume of evidence. They're won by the person who is perceived as most trustworthy. Go read the whole thing.