An Introduction to Persuasion and Argument

Persuasion vs. Argument

• Persuasion and argument are often used inter-changeably
• 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

The Importance of Argument and Persuasion

• 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

The Importance of Argument and Persuasion

• 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

The Role of Your Audience

• 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 to your argument?

Structure of a Classical Argument

• Introduction
• Thesis Statement
• Background Information
• Reasons and Evidence
• The Opposing View and the Refutation
• Conclusions

The Thesis Statement

• …is the most important sentence in your paper …is an assertion …answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?” ...brings focus to the entire essay …lets the reader know the main idea of the paper …is not a factual statement or an announcement of purpose, but a claim that has to be proven throughout the paper.

Offering a Counterargument

• Addressing the opposition demonstrates your credibility as a writer
• It shows that you have researched multiple sides of the argument and have come to an informed decision
• Remember, keep a balanced tone when attempting to debunk the opposition

Counter-arguing Effectively

• Conceding (acknowledging) to some of your opposition’s concerns can demonstrate respect for their opinions
• Remain tactful yet firm --using rude or deprecating (offensive) language can cause your audience to reject your position without carefully considering your claims

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