SWA #11

Oswalt uses humor to place the audience into a more receptive mood. He begins his argument by stating "I'm not a ner. I used to be one, back 30 years ago when nerd meant something." He uses this catchy introduction in hopes of humoring his readers. Perhaps Oswalt believes that readers respond better to comedy and that a quirky comment may relax them before they read his essay. In addition to this, he may also feel as if he connects to readers more easily if he uses an element that everyone can identify with; comedy.