186 - Debating Your Way Into Greatness Part 1
What if the ability to change hearts and minds could be cultivated into a superpower?
Today we kick off a multi-part series about one of history’s most magnetic orators, William Jennings Bryan, the man who could stand in front of any crowd and win them over with his voice. First, we explore how Bryan’s speaking abilities, developed as a homeschooled child in a devoutly religious household, turned him into the surprise valedictorian and a debate club super star. To the point where his talent for public speaking made professors question their beliefs, and turned the opinions of people who had already made up their minds against him.
Then, after recounting Bryan’s early struggles and triumphs, we’ll dig into the meat of William Jennings Bryan’s rise to political fame - how he became Nebraska’s first Democratic congressman, flipping a Republican stronghold by connecting with voters and sharing stories that resonated. We also discuss the stark contrast between Bryan’s authentic connection with audiences, and the modern-day performative nature of debates where outrage and "gotcha" clips overshadow meaningful dialogue.
What does it take to develop such persuasive power? What can we learn from Bryan’s dedication to his craft and his genuine desire to connect? And could honest, constructive debate ever regain its power in an age of social media bubbles and clickbait rhetoric?
Links:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1895643?seq=6
https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/the-cross-of-gold-speech/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDQsCUqO6jk&ab_channel=TheSpurlockMuseumofWorldCultures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud1ANAF9pW8&ab_channel=Wisecrack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLfr7sU5W2E&ab_channel=60Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfsjXIewIHs&ab_channel=HistoryThatDoesn%27tSuck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGN0l1QdoiM&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZhVPEZETCU&ab_channel=RobertGreene