Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1093IR // #c1093Synthesis

"If you say, 'My horse is not black,' what color immediately comes into mind? White, naturally, for that is the opposite of black." "Strongly emphasizing a single word has a tendency to suggest its antithesis."

— In our words · Source: The Art of Public Speaking (J. Berg Esenwein & Dale Carnegie)

[Use when]

You want the audience to arrive at your point a beat before you state it.

[Why it matters]

Heavy stress implies a contrast. Leaning on "chance" in "Destiny is not a matter of chance" sets up "choice" before you say it.

Filed under situations:When you need a yes and they’re not there yet

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