1. Finishing Up your Essay
Selling your thoughts, having a conversation, and giving it the finishing touch

2. Selling
If your audience isn't convinced, it doesn't matter if you are right or wrong
Your paper is a dialogue and you must be able to present your argument to your audience considerately
Consider the following steps when asking yourself if you sold to your audience

3. Persuasion
Step 1: prepare your argument – identify your reader and your purpose
Step 2: make your claim – did you state your main idea for which you will argue? Have you 'drawn a line in the sand'?
Step 3: support your claim – is each point you make backed with solid evidence? Don't commit logical fallacies or state things you cannot prove (honesty)
Step 4: rebuttal – don't be afraid to be vulnerable (car salesman)
Step 5: double check your appeals!

4. Making claims vs 'what ifs'
Fact: There has not been a nuclear explosion on main land US in the last year
Opinion: I know nuclear testing is necessary to ensure the US's international dominance
Claim: Testing nuclear bombs and devices benefits the US's international and domestic needs
What ifs: Nuclear bombs can be a good tool for US politics and might be help international and domestic needs

5. Claims
Avoid extreme claims: Manatee county residents will never to stop HOA fees
Make a meaningful, honest claim: HOA fees are creating an economic challenge for Manatee county residents
Qualifiers: how? HOA fees are too high V HOA fees are economically unsustainable for our residents

6. Opposition Phrases to help you be vulnerable!
Admittedly, of course, granted, No doubt, Certainly
It's not your fault your not 100% right – it's your audiences and the worlds!
Your argument has limits – you cannot solve the world's problem. Giving other perspectives is ETHOS

7. Audience needs
Does your claim help others? Is it valuable? Does it achieve something? Help others belong/identify with a group? Does it encourage avoiding danger/being secure/safe/happy
Do you really know your audience?