Thomas Ryan: Barbeque Economics

_{(Thomas Ryan takes the stage at 12:46 into the event.)}

Each of us has experienced it.  You’re at a barbeque and someone makes a statement that defies logic. Perhaps we jump in with a detailed, fully thought out, principled, fact-based response.  But we’ve seen the results too often – that glazed look as the subject gets changed.  So more likely, we simply ignore the statement and choke down a mouthful of burger.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “It’s more important to change minds than to win arguments.”  So the question is, how can we effectively respond in these situations to change minds?

Tom Ryan will present models for shaping our responses and principles to follow when talking with non-economists – with the goal of changing minds.  Along the way, Tom also will present a compelling argument for why the Austrians have it right and how the principles of Austrian Economics provide a powerful foundation for effective communication.

Summary:

Things really worked out tonight (Dec. 6th, 2011).  The Pikes Peak Economics Club (PPEC) hosted Thomas Ryan who presented Barbeque Economics, or how to present Austrian Economic views in the context of a backyard barbeque.  The equipment worked out pretty well (there were a few hiccups in getting the power point transmitted to me) and the speaker was excellent.  I think this is the best presentation that I have been able to broadcast for the PPEC to date.  It was truly an informative evening.

It starts out midway through the introductions (oops) and includes a short political speech from Karen Magistrelli, who is challenging Sallie Clark, who violated the electorate with the intentionally misleading ballot language: "shall persons elected to the office of county commissioner be limited to serving three consecutive terms" when they were already limited to two terms.  Then there is a YouTube clip that Dr. Prentice wanted shown (and it is very good) and then Thomas Ryan takes the stage (after a brief technical adjustment) at 12:45 into the video.  If you want to skip the introductions then skip straight to that point in the video.

The presentation was excellent and definitely in the top 5% of speakers that I've had the privilege of broadcasting for the PPEC.  It is both instructional and informative.

My shameless plug:  This was broadcast live and is the quality of broadcast that I am now capable of doing.  If anyone has any A/V needs in Colorado then I hope you keep me in mind.  I can be contacted at streams.info (at) RockyMountainStreams.com for further information or visit our website.