He needs first to capture our attention as “listeners”

You might find it helpful to think of Gladwell as a guest speaker who has come to our class to present a new and perhaps unusual idea. He needs first to capture our attention as “listeners” or readers by winning our respect for him as someone of intelligence, character, and good will. He then needs to present his idea in a logical way that seems plausible, or at least worth considering. Respond to Chapter 1, “The Matthew Effect,” in Gladwell’s Outliers. It is always a good idea to begin with definitions. In your own words, what is “The Matthew Effect”? How does Gladwell support his main claim? Can you name an example of this effect from your own experience? Are you persuaded? Or not?