Critical thinking\argumentation and persuasion

Persuasion To persuade is to convince someone that a particular opinion or point of view is the correct one.

Any time you argue with a friend, you are each trying to persuade , to convince , the other that your opinion is the right one. Commercials on TV are another form of persuasion . You will often have to persuade in writing. Once you learn how to persuade logically and rationally, you will be less likely to accept the false , misleading and emotional arguments that you hear and read everyday.

Methods Of Persuasion Facts: Facts are simply statements of what is. They should appeal to the readers mind not just to the emotions. The source of your facts should be clear to the reader. Avoid the vague “everyone knows that” or “it is common knowledge” or “they all say”. Such statements would make your reader suspect your facts. Referring to an authority: An authority is an expert , someone who can be relied on to give unbiased facts and information. If you wish to convince your audience that smoking is dangerous habit , you might use one of the surgeon general’s warning.

Examples: An example should clearly relate to an argument. Avoid examples that are not suitable enough to support your general statement. That your friend was once bitten by a dog does not adequately prove that all dogs are dangerous pets. Predicting the consequences: This helps the reader to visualize what will occur if something does or does not happen. Avoid exaggerating the consequences. For instance, telling the reader “ if you don’t eat fresh fruit everyday , you will never be truly healthy”.

Answering the opposition: Answering possible critics show that you are aware of the opposition’s argument and are able to respond to it. Avoid calling the opposition “fools” or “crooks”. Attack their ideas not them.

Considering the Audience Pay special attention to the audience as you write a persuasive paragraph. A persuasive paper should be directed towards a particular audience. It is helpful to consider just what kind of evidence this audience would respond to. When you take your audience into consideration , you will make your persuasive paragraph more convincing.