Across national and cultural borders, the archetype of the fool has played a significant role in how communities interpret and ascribe identity. As Charles Campbell and Johan Cilliers remind us, the Christian preacher, tasked with delivering a paradoxical gospel, is a fool. In a delicate exploration with enlightening results, Preaching Fools uses a diverse representation of fools and foolish actions to show how modern preaching is inseparable from the folly of the cross. Campbell and Cilliers walk the fine line between the ugliness and beauty of the gospel and challenge readers toward a deeper engagement with its unsettling message.

Now known to the Chinese as the ""ten years of chaos,"" the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-76) brought death to thousands of Chinese and persecution to millions. In Rhetoric of the Chinese Cultural Revolution Xing Lu identifies the rhetorical practices and persuasive effects of the polarizing political language and symbolic practices used by Communist Party leaders to legitimize their use of power and violence to dehumanize people identified as class enemies. Lu provides close readings of the movement's primary texts--political slogans, official propaganda, wall posters, and the lyrics of mass songs and model operas. She also scrutinizes such ritualistic practices as the loyalty dance, denunciation rallies, political study sessions, and criticism and self-criticism meetings. Lu enriches her rhetorical analyses of these texts with her own story and that of her family, as well as with interviews conducted in China and the United States with individuals who experienced the Cultural Revolution during their teenage years. In her new preface, Lu expresses deep concern about recent nationalism, xenophobia, divisiveness, and violence instigated by the rhetoric of hatred and fear in the United States and across the globe. She hopes that by illuminating the way language shapes perception, thought, and behavior, this book will serve as a reminder of past mistakes so that we may avoid repeating them in the future.

Personal presence gives you the power to inspire, to influence, to excite, to question and to connect. We all have it within us. Yet many of us freeze or falter when speaking in public. As an actor on national TV and as a coach to high-performing professionals, Sarah Thurstan knows there are no set answers for how to give your best when you take the stage. It's a highly personal story for each of us. In this book, she guides you through how you can bring your natural self and your authentic voice to when you are speaking in public. In 15 chapters, she discusses how to master your fears, craft your message, share your stories, express your values and act when the spotlight is on you. These are skills which we can all learn and improve, whether as polished performers or as nervous beginners. We can always become a better version of ourselves when speaking in public and engaging our audiences.

The ability to connect with an audience is an essential element of public speaking. While an effective presentation can have all the elements of good pace, pitch and body language, it can still leave an audience unaffected or unmoved. Rob Parson believes even the most proficient speakers can enhance their public speaking by focusing on the heart of communication: connection. For the first time, Rob Parsons shares his insights from over fifty years of experience. He unpacks methods that will help any public speaker - from how to prepare well and utilise the power of story, to giving top tips on avoiding common distractions. Readers will come away with a better grasp on public speaking - not only how to speak to the head, but to the heart. Having spoken to over a million people around the world, from multinational organisations to church congregations, Rob has fine-tuned approaches that can help anyone wanting to grow in this area.

The Complete Business Speaker: How to Prepare and Deliver Effective Business Presentations equips students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to successfully speak on behalf of an enterprise. The text focuses on the real-world challenges associated with business speaking and effectively prepares readers to deliver speeches and presentations with savvy and confidence. Readers learn the importance of tailoring a speech to key audiences, as well as a company's unique goals and policies. The text underscores how prepared remarks must be well-researched and effective to make an impact on potential legislation, local regulation, community relations, and business operations. Students learn effective strategies for speech delivery, listening, and interacting with audiences. Specific topics include best practices for delivering bad news, how to handle hostile audiences, addressing small groups, and whether or not the use of PowerPoint slides will enhance a presentation. Throughout, real-life accounts from a variety of business speakers illuminate the successes and learning opportunities experienced by business professionals. Providing students with a highly practical and focused perspective, The Complete Business Speaker is well suited for courses in business communication and public speaking.