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.
