An Introduction to Persuasion and Argument劝说和议论概要1.ppt

Moving people to a belief, position, or course of action Adapted from Mike McGuire’s Com 101 class notes, MV Community College Persuasion vs. Argument Persuasion and argument are often used interchangeably Persuasion is a broad term, which includes many tactics designed to move people to a position, a belief, or a course of action Argument is a specific kind of persuasion based on the principles of logic and reasoning The Importance of Argument and Persuasion In everyday life… Appealing a grade, asking for a raise, applying for a job, negotiating the price of a new car, arguing in traffic court In academic life… Defending your ideas, engaging intellectual debate On the job… Getting people to listen to your ideas, winning buy-in, getting your boss to notice, getting cooperation, moving people to action In writing… Irrefutably making your point, writing to be read In reading and listening… Critically evaluating other’s arguments, protecting yourself from unethical persuasive tactics, recognizing faulty reasoning when you see it. What exactly is an Argument? An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research. The Essential Ingredients of an Argument An issue open to debate Your position on the issue Your reasons for that position Evidence to support your reason Experience, expert opinion, research and statistics The Role of Your Audience Understanding your audience is key to effective writing of all kinds, especially persuasive writing An argument is an implicit dialogue or exchange with your audience, so in writing arguments, assume there is a reader that will not agree with you Audience awareness is absolutely essential to successful persuasion and argument; therefore… Know your audience What is their position on the issue? How strongly do they feel about it? Are they open-minded enough to consider other views? What will their objections be