Happy Fun-with-Evidence Friday. Apparently it's not that easy being a good trash talker on the football field, or anywhere else for that matter. It takes research, preparation, and focus. The New York Times recently profiled Bart Scott of the NFL's New York Jets about his lifelong dedication to creative, high-impact trash talk. Yes, it's humorous, but his advice could benefit anyone presenting evidence to an ornery or unconvinced audience.
As the story goes, he "uses a three-step trash-talk template. He starts with research. He scours ESPN, Google and scouting reports, which include pictures. He wants to understand the opponents he will talk to, understand what angers them, what makes them tick. He looks for police incidents, problems with wives or girlfriends, expanding stomachs, funny faces. To aid in his delivery, Scott watches wrestling videos, or famous trash talkers like Muhammad Ali."
Scott says "I keep ammo on everybody... Because I will never be caught off-guard. No one will outtalk me. Ever." His guide to becoming an expert trash talker includes "Do your research." And "Know your audience. Save your best material for last, and be conscious of whom you are speaking to and what reaction you can get."
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