Our guest in this episode is Carlos Alvarenga, a distinguished thinker and educator in the fields of communication and rhetoric. Carlos has an extraordinary background, starting as a refugee child and rising to become a prominent expert in persuasive communications. His journey includes deep dives into the ancient wisdom of Aristotle to update these teachings for the modern audience through his engaging writings and teachings.

Key points discussed include:

• Defining Persuasion: Carlos clarifies that persuasion is not about manipulation but demonstrating truths, emphasizing ethical communication.
• The Three Pillars of Persuasion: He breaks down Aristotle’s concepts of ethos (character), logos (argument), and pathos (emotion), explaining how these elements combine to form compelling communication.
• Ethical Considerations: Carlos discusses the importance of using persuasion responsibly, highlighting the fine line between persuasion and manipulation and advocating for principled communication strategies.