Featured Post from Southern Utah University

Persuasive Attack: Threatening Reputations in Public Discourse

Connect with the authors if you're looking to know more about this important topic

Feb 23, 2025

1 min

Kevin SteinMatt Barton

The Department of Communications at Southern Utah University has been busy with a recent book launch garnering attention.


Dr. Kevin Stein and Dr. Matt Barton recently published Persuasive Attack: Threatening Reputations in Public Discourse.


The book investigates the nature of persuasive attack by examining the strategies used in various cases to denigrate an individual or organization for their behavior and/or character.



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This groundbreaking book explores the intricate dynamics of persuasive communication, offering a critical framework for understanding how rhetorical strategies can influence public perception and discourse.



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Dr. Matthew H. Barton teaches courses in Persuasion, Communication Theory, Critical Thinking, Health Communication, and Interpersonal Communication.






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 Dr. Kevin A. Stein's research focuses primarily on the rhetoric of attack (kategoria), defense (apologia), and persuasive responses to defense (antapologia). Other academic interests include political campaign communication and popular culture.




Interested in learning more about this topic or looking to speak with either Barton or Stein - then let us help.


Simply click on either expert's icon now to arrange an interview today.

Connect with:
Kevin Stein

Kevin Stein

Director MAPC Program/Professor of Communication

Specializing in the rhetoric of attack, apology, and responses to apology as well as political campaign communication.

Antapologia StrategiesPolitical Campaign MessagesFilmRhetoric of DefenseApologia
Matt Barton

Matt Barton

Professor of Communication, Department Chair

Specializing in rhetoric and persuasion in public discourse, communication theory, and critical thinking

Communication TheoriesProfessional Writing and PresentationsPublic DiscourseTeaching Communication TheoryConflict and Communication in Relationships

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