WHAT MAKES A GOOD ARGUMENT 8 tips to

WHAT MAKES A GOOD ARGUMENT? 8 tips to keep in mind to strengthen your case

1. ___________________ • __ Make sure that what you’re arguing about is something to argue about. You can’t argue whether spinach is green. • Even if other arguments are possible, make sure it’s something where people would realistically have ____________________. • You’re not likely to be able to write a very good 6 -8 minute speech (or 3 pg. paper) on why it’s bad to pick your nose in public. You could maybe make an entertaining speech out of it, but it wouldn’t be a “good” argument if it’s a one-sided topic. • Pick something that is worthy of serious discussion, and make sure your premise is valid and that your idea is actually possible.

2. ___________________ __ • The “skeleton” of argument needs to be strong logic (____________) • __________: If ___ is always true in general, then ___ is specifically true • Great for establishing your moral/theoretical framework… For example, if you can make a strong case for a general moral/idea that most would agree with, and then argue from it that the specific issue at hand falls into this category… Bingo. • For example, if you can make a strong case about what is or is not murder, you can make a solid argument about abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, war crimes, vegetarianism, self-defense • RARELY USE Inductive reasoning: If ___ is specifically true, ___ is true in

3. ___________________ • __ Use stories from __________, when applicable and appropriate, to really connect with the audience on a ____________ • Ex. If your speech is about drinking laws, and you have some personal connection to alcoholism or someone who has passed away due to drunk driving • Use ____________ to help audiences connect what they already know to your story • Ex. People might not immediately know what you mean when you’re referring to the Patriot Act, but if you can tie it to the more recent NSA surveillance controversies, there’s a better chance your audience will be able to grasp what your topic is all about • Use ____________ from real-life people • • If it’s short and very specific to your issue, bring in a story that exemplifies your point Ex. When arguing about the death penalty, bring up someone who was executed but

4. ____________________ • Logic is the skeleton of your argument– your reasoning and approach • Facts and data consist of your numerical evidence… Your ____________________________ • _______________________ • Giving out an impressive and wowing piece of data (ex. Nearly half the people in the world, 3 billion people, live on less than $2. 50 a day) with a moving story/example can make your topic and argument feel “real” and actually important

5. ____________________ • Not all persuasive speeches need to be doom and gloom • Humor and telling jokes can make your speech more ____________ and help you connect with your audience on a personal, emotional level • Just make sure your jokes are • • ____________ – Are related to your topic • ____________ – The jokes feel like they belong in that part of the speech and aren’t tonal whiplash • ____________ – Not going to offend or isolate the audience you’re trying ____________ – Have a specific purpose in your speech (ex. tying it into your next point)

6. ____________________ • Use language, mannerisms, gestures, etc. that make you fit in with your audience– so they look at you and feel like you “get” them • You’re never there to lecture your audience or make them feel like they’re terrible people– you want them to leave the room feeling like you’re working together to make something better and that ____________ • Don’t stoop to acting immature or insulting your opponents in an argument… Have the ____________ and seem like the “bigger person” in the room

7. ____________________ • When possible and appropriate, link your argument to someone the audience _______________________ • For example, there’s “safe” people that most Americans will agree with: the Founding Fathers, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. , Mr. Rodgers, Robin Williams • …But don’t tie your argument to people who Americans don’t like. • Ex. “This solution I’m proposing is the same one that Osama Bin Laden promoted. ” • Also ________________________ Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders (older presidents are usually more well-liked than ones people have been

8. ____________________ • You obviously want your whole argument to be strong, but save your best parts for the start and finish • ___________________________________________________________ • Ways to do this… • • Save really strong data and story examples for the beginning and end Save the part that most clearly relates to what the audience can do for the end, so they leave feeling empowered and like they can be part of a positive change