Rhetoric and persuasive argument has been used since the inception of
             human language, from Greek philosophers in ancient Athens to religious
             sages in the Far East. Persons who feel strongly about their opinions have
             a right and in perhaps a responsibility to express their views and to try
             and influence the minds of others. Persuasion engages people in dialogue
             and debate, which are natural and healthy forms of interpersonal
             communication. In fact, effective persuasion can change the course of
             history: had Columbus not persuaded Queen Isabella to fund his journey, the
             world would look much different today.
             Persuasion is an inherently ethical process because it creates
             dialogue and invites people to examine their own interests and beliefs. It
             forces those who would listen to be open-minded and to examine issues they
             might have otherwise overlooked. Persuasion can only be construed as
             manipulation if the receiving party chooses to avoid independent
             investigation. An effective communicator presents a powerful case and hopes
             to change the minds of his or her audience; it is his or her job to evoke a
             desired response. However, it is up to the audience to analyze the
             speaker's position and intelligently reach an independent conclusion. An
             audience cannot blame the speaker for presenting a good case.
             Only when a speaker provides false or misleading information is a
             persuasive argument immoral. If all evidence presented is factual and the
             argument is straightforward, then a persuasive speech can enlighten its
             listeners, even if the audience chooses to disagree. Persuasion implies a
             discussion designed to both educate and to change minds; an effective
             rhetorician can deeply impact his or her audience in a positive way.
             However, the responsibility still rests with the audience on whether or not
             to act on the advice of the speaker....