From the Publisher
“With this seminal work, Norheim and Haga opens a new chapter in their ongoing reflection on rhetoric and leadership. They argue that an adequate appeal to fear is decisive for a leader who wants to appear credible during a crisis. They describe and explore three kinds of fears – apocalyptic fear, political fear, and private fear. The book is directed at any leader and speaker who wants to reflect on the art of speaking well when things are not going so well. They further offer tools for self-reflection, motifs for critical analysis, and gives advice and guidelines on how to craft a powerful and effective address when a minor or major crisis is emerging, as we all experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. This book will enrich not only academics and church leaders and students, but all who are interested in the dynamics of words to use in a crisis.” (Ian Nell, Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
“This book has become even more important by the war and suffering that is currently unfolding before our very eyes in the heart of Europe. It is exactly at times of crisis and war, leaders need to be heard and understood, as well as offer powerful words of inspiration and action. “If people experience a crisis, the speaker need to name that reality,” the two authors rightly emphasis in this important book. Few have done it better than the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the midst of war, suffering and anxiety, his speeches have been truly inspiring. No-one can stay indifferent when President Zelensky speaks, as he quickly rattles any trace of complacency immediately out of his audience. And through a series of cleverly tailored messages, he has also in a very short period of time been able to muster extraordinary and widespread international support. His unconventional, direct rhetoric is also what this book helps us better understand, while at the same time giving us advice and concrete guidelines on how to craft a powerful and effective address, when a minor or major crisis is emerging.” (Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General in the Council of Europe)
