Includes bibliographical references (pages 189-209) and index.

An education in eloquence -- The first rule : short words win -- If you don't repeat, you can't compete -- Irony : the twist we can't resist, from Socrates to Seinfeld -- What evil lurks in the hearts of men? the foreshadow knows -- Metaphorical missiles and minefields -- Extended metaphors : framing a picture-perfect speech -- The figures of seduction. "Joseph Romm, one of Rolling Stone magazine's top "100 Agents of Change," has focused his talents on helping us all to increase our Language Intelligence and to better understand the art of persuasion. Romm demonstrates that you don't have to be an expert to vastly improve your ability to communicate. He has pulled together the secrets of the greatest communicators in history to show how you can apply these tools to your writing, speaking, blogging--even your Tweeting. The book also looks at the language intelligence of President Obama and Governor Romney. Nothing could be more relevant in 2012 as Americans prepare to make vital choices in the upcoming elections. Language Intelligence not only will prepare you to be a much more memorable and persuasive communicator, it will also help you to understand the tricks of the trade used--and misused--by candidates on the stump. With a few easily digestible and memorable concepts, Language Intelligence also offers readers an indispensable roadmap, for today's political and pop culture landscape." -- Publisher's description