Can Cicero Help You Snag a College or Job?

Why, yes he can.

In Thank You for Arguing, Jay shows how the Ciceronian outline can help you make a winning speech or presentation. That same outline can work for a job or college interview. It’s simple:

Start with a good first impression, boosting your ethos—the audience’s impression of your character. Show you know the job and would be good at it, that you understand the company, and that you’d be a good fit. The same things work for a college, only they’re also looking for virtue, signs that you’re a good, mature person. Talk about the lessons you’ve learned. Be confident but humble.

Next, ask good questions and show a command of the facts. Make your case for why you’re better than the competition. Tell a good story of a problem you solved.

Finally, don’t be afraid to show a little emotion. Don’t sing opera or burst out sobbing. Just a little passion. Say how excited you are about the possibility of working or studying at this wonderful place, and that you’re sure you’re the perfect fit. Let your eyes shine, lean forward a little and—lower your voice a bit. Strangely enough, speaking more quietly can show more passion, as if you’re sharing a secret.

Watch this video to see how our ArgueLab colleague, Christina, does it.