Textbook Tactics: Text Speakers: Nelson Oliveira Jose Roman ECH 2050 September 12, 2012

Introduction Keep your audience entertain/focus! Definition Definition Description Description Classification/Division Classification/Division Comparison/Contrast Comparison/Contrast Argument Argument

Definition Categories! Informal Definition: Informal Definition:  A word or brief phrase that gives only minimal information about the term. Formal Definition: Formal Definition:  A full sentence that distinguishes the term from other similar terms. Expanded Definition: Expanded Definition:  A lengthy explanation that begins with a formal definition and is developed into several paragraphs.

Informal Definition: Keep it Simple Keep it Simple An informal definition will; An informal definition will;  Appear after the term being defined.  Be short (often as one-word Synonyms)  Will give enough information to keep the listener minimally informed.

Formal Definition: Appear in form of a sentence that lists: Appear in form of a sentence that lists: I. The Term. II. The Class. III. The Features.  For Instance, Term Class Features A pumper is a fire-fighting used to provide adequate apparatus pressure to propel streams of apparatus pressure to propel streams of water toward a fire water toward a fire

Expanded Definition! used when listeners need more information! Consist of a three-part structure: 1. An overview at the beginning 2. Supporting information in the middle 3. Brief closing remarks at the end There are different ways to expand a definition like: Background and/or history of term Background and/or history of term Applications Applications Lists of parts Lists of parts Graphics Graphics Comparison/contrast Comparison/contrast Basic principle Basic principle Illustration Illustration

Choose the right location! You have this five choices for location a definition: You have this five choices for location a definition: 1. In the same sentence as the term 2. In a separate sentence 3. In a footnote to a speech produced as text 4. In a glossary at the beginning or end of a speech produced as text 5. In an appendix at the end of a speech produced as text

Description Remember your listeners’ Needs Remember your listeners’ Needs Be accurate and objective Be accurate and objective Choose an overall organization plan Choose an overall organization plan

Use Use “Helpers” like graphic and analogies

Classification Grouping lists of items in categories, a process called “classification”. Separating an individual item into its parts is called “division” Find a common basis Find a common basis Limit the number of gr Limit the number of gr Classify each item carefully Classify each item carefully

Division Division begins with an entire item that must be broken down or partitioned into parts Choose the right basis for dividing Choose the right basis for dividing Subdivide parts when necessary Subdivide parts when necessary Describe each part with care Describe each part with care

Comparison/Contrast Remember you purpose Remember you purpose Establish clear criteria and use them consistently Establish clear criteria and use them consistently Choose the “Whole-by-Whole” approach for short comparison/contrats. Choose the “Whole-by-Whole” approach for short comparison/contrats.

Comparison/Contrast Choose the “Part-by-Part” approach for long comparison/contrasts Choose the “Part-by-Part” approach for long comparison/contrasts I. Pushing Capacity I. Pushing Capacity II. Puchase Details II. Puchase Details III. Dependability III. Dependability Use Illustrations Use Illustrations

Argument Use Evidence Correctly Use Evidence Correctly Choose the most Convincing order for points Choose the most Convincing order for points Be logical Be logical

Argument Avoid argumentative fallacies Avoid argumentative fallacies Ad hominem Ad hominem Circular reasoning Circular reasoning Either/or fallacy Either/or fallacy False analogy False analogy Hasty generalization Hasty generalization Non sequitur Non sequitur Post hoc ergo propter hoc Post hoc ergo propter hoc Refute opposing arguments Refute opposing arguments