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Why does outrage feel powerful — yet leave conversations broken in its wake?

In Episode 295 of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson is joined by world-class speaking coach and author Robert Begley to explore why empathy-rooted rhetoric is far more effective than outrage-driven communication.

Together, they unpack how conversations escalate, why persuasion works better than force, and how curiosity and listening can disarm hostility before it turns into conflict.

This episode offers practical tools for navigating difficult conversations — without sacrificing conviction or humanity.

Guest: Robert Begley
Book: Voices of Reason (Amazon Bestseller)

Key Topics

• Why outrage kills dialogue
• Persuasion vs. rhetorical force
• Defusing hostile conversations
• Empathy without agreement
• Listening to understand, not respond

Learn more and connect with Robert Begley in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

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*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.