I had my own kairotic moment in graduate school when I learned about the rhetorical premise of kairos. I had dual reactions: annoyance (that I was just now learning about the term) and thirst to learn everything I could about the topic.

Since then, I’ve scoured Greek philosophy publications and contemporary conversations about rhetoric. I purchased and poured over books that alluded to kairos.

I was disappointed in my research. The ability to reach an audience by being credible, caring about people, and providing truthful dialogue seems so important today, now more than ever. However, very little has ever been written about kairos.

I began to study each ancient philosopher’s theories. Aristotle’s teachings in effective communication came the closest to teaching and promoting ethical communication concepts.

Twenty-five years later, I watched the world torn apart by elections promoting fame over honor, a global pandemic, an explosion of misinformation and disinformation, and, not surprisingly, a deteriorating faith in humanity. Kairos provides us a way to return to thoughtful conversations, critical thought, and a more cohesive civilization.

I do not proclaim to be a scholar of rhetorical theory, and this book does not focus on academic research about Greek philosophy. Rather, I synthesize and contemporize Greek philosophers’ teachings about communication, its effects, and its power in anticipation that we can all become better communicators and people.

My message applies to every human being around the world. I hope my work sparks conversation so we may move closer to a peaceful humanity.