Methodology

“There is no out-of-context moment.”
Jacques Derrida, Of Grammatology (1967)

Rhetoric as an explanatory tool

What is rhetoric?

According to Greek philosopher Aristotle, rhetoric is the available means of persuasion in any given situation. It involves communication strategies that connect the speaker’s actions, purpose, context, strategies, and outcomes. When communicating, a speaker can use rhetoric to craft an ideal message by using language, words, phrases, gestures, symbols, etc to influence an audiences’ interpretation of a message.

We employ the elements of rhetoric to strategically develop compelling narratives tailored to each client’s life circumstances. We also use rhetorical methodologies, along with other qualitative and quantitative methods, to analyze and explain interactions within and across various context that are relevant to a case.

Unspoken words are often the loudest.

What is implicit bias?

As we move through the world, we each form unconscious stereotypes and attitudes that affect our understanding, actions, and communication. These biases are often outside our awareness, and their effects can perpetuate injustice by manipulating the decision-making of speakers and listeners alike. Identifying and avoiding implicit bias plays a critical role in accomplishing our mission.