Why is emotional intelligence necessary for the rhetor (according to Pullman)? In my answer, the instructor comments requested explication of the opening statement. I will address that in this post as it was one of my most favorite comments in the overall text. (Basic grammatical corrections will be made.)
I will begin by restating my initial response: “(Why) emotional intelligence is necessary for the rhetor is summarized adeptly in the statement, “Reason without emotion is impotent.” (Lehrer, J. How We Decide, p. 26/Pullman p. 116) When a rhetor is setting forth to influence his audience by convincing them of his argument, to disregard the emotional temperament and disposition of the audience will work to render his presentation inept or disadvantaged at best.” By way of explication, I would like to include the following points: The most brilliant orator who has mastered the facts of his/her presentation, organized them in an succinct and effective manner, able to present in a seamless and engaging manner yet does not convey concern, empathy, or interest still will find it hard to connect (and thereby persuade) the audience. In order to be persuaded, an emotional connection that alerts the listener to her need to adopt the rhetor’s argument must be made. Or, as Dr. Pullman puts it, “All the logic and evidence in the world won’t change a person’s mind if he or she is not motivated to change. And motivation comes from emotion–motion, movement.” To use the metaphor he recaps, “To disengage the head from the heart…is like disconnecting the wheels from the ground.” (p. 116, e-text)
As much as some (I) might wish otherwise, I would venture to extrapolate from personal experience, it is extremely difficult to readily embrace facts with which there is an emotional kick-back of any degree. When our heart battles with our head, the weight of the conflict does seem to gravitate to the side of emotions. It is truly the disciplined, experienced, and resolute listener who can bypass the ringing of her/his feelings to embrace facts for facts sake.
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