The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell - Chapter One: The Three Levels of Epdidemics

The Tipping Point byMalcolm Gladwell

- Chapter One: The ThreeLevels of Epdidemics

Presented and prepared by James Trottier,Jim Trots, and Jimmy T

It takes only the smallest of changes to shatter an epidemics equilibrium (Gladwell 18) Who is Franz Ferdinand?

Law of the FewThe 80/20 PrincipleMotorists cause accidentsCriminal commit the crimesAlcoholics do the drinkingSocial epidemics work in exactly the same way. They are also driven by the efforts of a handful of exceptional people (Gladwell 21).

My question, who are these people?

Argument Rhetorical Device Is?According to Gladwell, the rise of Hush Puppies is do to, one of these exceptional people found out about the trend, and through social connections and energy and enthusiasm and personality spread the word about Hush Puppies just as people like Gaetan Dugas and Nushawn Williams were able to spread HIV (Gladwell 22). This argument attempts logic and credibility, but actually it is.

Argument from repetition

Stickiness FactorBut the hard part of communication is often figuring out how to make a message doesnt go in one ear and out the other. Stickiness means that message makes an impact (Gladwell 24-25).

Discussion Question: What makes something sticky?

Argument Rhetorical Device Is?Stickiness is a critical component in tipping. Unless you remember what I tell you, why would you ever change your behavior or buy my product or go to see my movie (Gladwell 25).

The argument is logical, we all need to be persuaded, and we are persuaded by words, phrases, and emotions.

But, what about???Original Creativity and Thought?

Discussion Question: How do we know what is done because of stickiness versus freewill versus acting on ignorance?The Power of ContextThe Power of Context says that human beings are a lot more sensitive to their environment than they may seem(Gladwell 29).The case of Kitty GenoweseOne interpretation of the parable is that the drama and ease of teaching the exaggerated story makes it easier for professors to capture student attention and interest.

Argument Rhetorical Device Is?When people are in a group, in other words, responsibility for acting is diffused (Gladwell 28).

The argument attempts at both logic and pathos, but

This is illogical and is a hasty generalizationSmall sample size

Discussion Question: Or, are we this weak?Easy to Believe

The EndThanks for your attention and input to my discussion questions, youve been a great and good looking audience.

Essay Prompt: Gladwell provides many examples to support, and even precede, his actual arguments. But are his examples enough evidence for you? Examining the examples and arguments for yourself, as well as what type of arguments you think they are, either jump onto Gladwells ship or poke a hole in his ship and sink it. Do You Want ToFranz FerdinandFranz FerdinandYou Could Have It So Much BetterAlternative & Punk2005iTunes v4.9.0.17, QuickTime 6.5.2