The Power of Words – Rhetoric and Reality

The Power of Words – Rhetoric and Reality

From SAMVAD (Together In Conversation) by Sunil Rao

November 2, 2025 · 7 min

About this episode

This episode explores the influence of language on our thinking and attention, drawing from excerpts of significant works on rhetoric and technology.

Namaste, Welcome to SAM-VAD (Together In Conversation). Last week, I shared an excerpt titled – ‘ The Power of Words – Do We Use Language or Is Language Using Us ’ from the book titled ‘ The Argument Culture ’ by Deborah Tannen. In this episode we drew attention to the fact that when we think we are using language, language is simultaneously using us and it invisibly molds our way of thinking. Now, SAM-VAD (Together In Conversation) to the ones paying heed, is where we try to draw your attention to things that matter and the importance of your attention, because , ‘Our life’s experience would ultimately amount to whatever we had paid attention to’. Attention: is as fundamental as food; and we go blundering about, seeking ways to assuage the craving, instead of learning how to provide ourselves with what we need, sensibly and calmly. Once our attention is drawn to the mechanism of why and what we give attention to, it is as if a veil has been stripped off and we become freer in our action and choices. And that is our endavour. This week I bring to your attention an excerpt titled – ‘ The Power of Words – Rhetoric and Reality ’ from the book titled ‘ The Axemaker’s Gift ’ –…

People in this episode

Host: Sunil Rao

Topics covered

  • language
  • rhetoric
  • attention
  • self-improvement
  • technology
  • culture

Keywords

  • power of words
  • language
  • attention
  • rhetoric
  • technology
  • culture
  • self-improvement

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Argument Culture, The Axemaker’s Gift

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