Everything's an Argument: chapter 3

Conditions of rebuttal

Making concessions of objections the audience might have; prove that you've taken a broad view of the topic and know both sides of the issue; you've scrutinized your position

Details

Matter when trying to show credibility(helpful graphs, tables, charts or illustrations)

What audience members ask

Should we pay attention to the speaker/writer? can we trust them(an individual , organization or institution)

Where you loyalties lie

Sometimes important to let readers know

Dress

Treat or prepare (something) in a certain way, in particular.

A hearing

What audiences give people they know that they might not automatically grant a strangers or someone who hasn't earned their respect or affection

Credibility

A writers honesty and respect for the audience

A very powerful technique for building credibility

Acknowledging exceptions, qualifications, or even weaknesses in your argument

Being direct with the reader

Another powerful way to present yourself as trustworthy

Readers

Are suspicious; wants to know why the writer is arguing; what's at stake for the reader?

What writers can do

Make an explicit and overt assert authority, or they can use tiny signals (that readers pick up a new subconsciously) like a style of writing the prisons ideas without robust confidence

Ways to establish credibility with the audience

Make reasonable claims and then make them up with evidence and documentation(link your claims to websites with reliable information); connect with your own beliefs/ values to core principles that are well-established and widely respected( very true if your position initially send threatened by traditional values; use language that shows respect for the audience(citing trustworthy sources and documenting them properly to prove you've down your homework and know your subject

Using contradictions

Makes the tone conversational

Increase the audiences confidence by

Making concessions about your limits as a knowledgeable speaker on a given subject

Be open

When a writer seems to have a potential personal advantage or conflict of interest for arguing an issue, it's important to

What appeals to ethos/character often turn on claims like

1. A person( or group) does or does not have the authority to speak to an issue. 2. A perish is or is not trustworthy or credible on an issue. 3. A person does or does not have good motives for addressing this subject

Ways writers/speakers create ethos

1. The way they "package" themselves: the language they use, the evidence they offer, the respect they show for opponents, they physical presence 2. Their reputations: are they well-known, well-liked, well-respected?; help shape audiences perception

Authority

A measure of how much command someone has over a subject

What builds credibility

Authority

How writers can assert authority

By mentioning who employs them-their institutional affiliations- and how long they've worked in their chosen field

Admitting limitations

Can enhance the writers trustworthiness

Every aspects

Counts with the audience; even spelling

Effective writes

Craft powerful strategies that build their credibility and authority

Trust

Indicates the power of arguments based on ethos/character; ex: a neighbor who is good at fixing cars may offer "better" advice than consumer reports magazine. But the consumer reports article will be more believable than an advertisement in people magazine

Creating persuasive ethos

Is much more than seeming honest or likable. Speakers/writers need to affirm an identity and where the values of the audience

What's critical in your writing

It visually conveys your message as effectively as possible; painting a picture with words.

A job title

Often confers authority or clout

Less important matters

People rely on friends, teachers, and coaches

Each argument

Presents unique ethos challenges

What decision makers use on serious issues

Professionals or experts(doctors, lawyers, professors) for wise; wise, well-informed and trustworthy advice

Some topics/audiences

Require a formal tone go achieve credibility

When the writers subject is controversial

The audience is especially skeptical about the writer and his claim

Evidence

The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid

Before audiences will listen to an someone

They must respect their authority admire their integrity and motives or at least aknowledge what they stand for

Engaging the readers in the conversation by you using pronouns like I or you

When appropriate, helps build a credible bond with the readers

Motives

a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.

Diction

the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.