Why is proof so important in persuasion

Some key transitional words you should use with this method of organization are: most importantly , almost as importantly , just as importantly , and finally.

The Formula You will need to come up with objection points, but you will also need to think of direct rebuttals to each of those ideas. Remember to consult your outline as you are writing because you may need to double-check that you have countered each of the possible opposing ideas you presented.

Make concluding statement summarizing point discussion possibly transitioning to next supporting idea. Give topic sentence explaining this paragraph will be opposing points of view to provide thorough, convincing argument. In Chapter 7: Sources: Choosing the Right Ones , we discussed being critical when evaluating sources, the ideas presented in those sources, and how those ideas are presented.

When writing a persuasive essay, you need to focus on the same elements, but you also need to ensure you are presenting an argument that considers other points of view on your topic; you need to acknowledge there are other angles, and you need to present ideas countering those objections in order to increase your chance at convincing your reader.

Just as with any essay, the way you write and the tone you use is very important to consider. Think back to the earlier mention of that one-sided argument.

If you are talking with a person who uses aggressive and inflammatory words, are you more or less likely to listen to the whole argument and ultimately be convinced? If someone is waving his hands and swearing or yelling, the gestures and raised voice may actually distract you from what is being said. Also, when people are extremely animated in their discussions, their audience may become defensive if they do not agree with the ideas presented.

In such a case, the audience may then respond in the same way, and no one ends up really hearing other points of view and will definitely not be convinced. Consider the same discussion, but imagine the original speaker being calm and controlled.

Do you think you would be more likely to listen and consider the ideas? That is what often happens; the speaker also allows you to give your input and views, and together, you can arrive at a blend of ideas. While you may not be convinced to change your mind completely, the way the speaker presents the argument calmly and substantively creates an environment or situation where you are more open to discussion. This becomes a bigger issue if no substantive evidence or support is given for the discussion.

The writer just seems like a radical expressing views, not someone you can use for credible support. In short, remember to choose your words carefully. While you will need to use assertive language to support your ideas, you need to choose objective words. How you make your argument more convincing is by:Using strong, peer-reviewed, and reliable evidence to back up your ideasPresenting and rebuttingat least one opposing idea.

Because an argument implies differing points of view on the subject, you must be sure to acknowledge those opposing ideas. Avoiding ideas that conflict with your own gives the reader the impression that you may be uncertain, fearful, or unaware of opposing ideas. Thus, it is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully. Try to address opposing arguments earlier rather than later in your essay.

Rhetorically speaking, ordering your positive arguments last allows you to better address ideas that conflict with your own, so you can spend the rest of the essay countering those arguments. You have the last word. Acknowledging different points of view also fosters more credibility between you and the audience. They know from the outset that you are aware of opposing ideas and that you are not afraid to give them space. It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish.

In effect, you are conceding early on that your argument is not the ultimate authority on a given topic. Such humility can go a long way toward earning credibility and trust with an audience.

Your readers will know from the beginning that you are a reasonable writer, and they will trust your argument as a result. For example, in the following concessionary statement, the writer advocates for stricter gun control laws, but admits it will not solve all of our problems with crime:. Although tougher gun control laws are a powerful first step in decreasing violence in our streets, such legislation alone cannot end these problems since guns are not the only problem we face.

To effectively persuade their readers, writers need to be modest in their goals and humble in their approach to get readers to listen to the ideas. See Table Everyone has various biases on any number of topics. For example, you might have a bias toward wearing black instead of brightly coloured clothes, or wearing jeans rather than formal wear. You might have a bias toward working at night rather than in the morning, or working by deadlines rather than getting tasks done in advance.

These examples identify minor biases, of course, but they still indicate preferences and opinions. In your first assignment a number of weeks ago, you were asked to sit somewhere, make observations, and write both a positive and negative description of the same scene—or to show two angles of vision. The purpose of this exercise was to make it evident to you how easily bias and angles can appear even through the smallest words you choose to use in your writing.

Choosing each word carefully is even more significant in a persuasive paper because, as already mentioned, you want your reader to view your presentation of ideas as logical and not just a tirade.

Using objective and neutral language and evidence and acknowledging you have a possible bias will help you present a well-rounded and developed argument. Handling bias in writing and in daily life can be a useful skill.

It will allow you to articulate your own points of view while also defending yourself against unreasonable points of view. The ideal in persuasive writing is to let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and a respectful and reasonable address of opposing sides.

Facts are statements that can be definitely proven using objective data. The statement that is a fact is absolutely valid. In other words, the statement can be pronounced as true or false. This expression identifies a true statement, or a fact, because it can be proved with objective data. Opinions are personal views, or judgments. An opinion is what an individual believes about a particular subject. However, an opinion in argumentation must have legitimate backing; adequate evidence and credibility should support the opinion.

Consider the credibility of expert opinions, as experts in a given field have the knowledge and credentials to make their opinion meaningful to a larger audience. For example, you seek the opinion of your dentist when it comes to the health of your gums, and you seek the opinion of your mechanic when it comes to the maintenance of your car.

Both have knowledge and credentials in those respective fields, which is why their opinions matter to you. But the authority of your dentist may be greatly diminished should he or she offer an opinion about your car, and vice versa. In your writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions. Relying on one or the other will likely lose more of your audience than it gains.

The use of I in writing is often a topic of debate, and the acceptance of its usage varies from instructor to instructor. It is difficult to predict the preferences for all your present and future instructors, but consider the effects it can potentially have on your writing. Be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound overly biased, for two primary reasons:. The use of I is no different. The insertion of I into a sentence alters not only the way a sentence might sound but also the composition of the sentence itself.

I is often the subject of a sentence. If the subject of the essay is supposed to be, say, smoking, then by inserting yourself into the sentence, you are effectively displacing the subject of the essay into a secondary position.

Pity will be felt if the plight of the homeless hurricane victim can be made vivid to the audience. If the speaker uses these appeals properly and also properly uses ethos and logos , then the audience is more likely to be persuaded.

Privacy Policy. Skip to main content. Module 9: Persuasive Speaking. Search for:. Three Forms of Proof The psychologist Carl Hovland and his associates did conducted well-regarded social science research in the s and s to rediscover what Aristotle had noted years before in his book titled On Rhetoric. We know the three species as: The logic of the argument logos The credibility of the speaker ethos The emotions of the audience pathos Logos Logos is the use of logic to persuade your audience.

Ethos If any one form of proof can be seen as most important, it would be speaker credibility. To become a master of persuasion yourself and successfully sell your own ideas, try using these five rhetorical devices that Aristotle identified in your next speech or presentation:. To me, ethos represents the part of a speech or presentation when your audience gains some insight into your credibility. By doing so, he is building a sense of trust between himself and his listeners. As humans, we are hardwired to search for reasons to trust another person, and we do so quickly.

After all, our ancestors had an instant to determine whether a stranger was friend or foe. A simple reminder that you are committed to the welfare of others will build your credibility before you lay out your argument. Why should your audience care about your idea? The same reasoning applies to making money. How will your idea help your listeners earn a profit? What steps do they have to take next? These are all logical appeals that will help you gain support. Use data, evidence, and facts to form a rational argument.

According to Aristotle, persuasion cannot occur in the absence of emotion. Aristotle believed the best way to transfer emotion from one person to another is through the rhetorical device of storytelling.

More than 2, years later, neuroscientists have found his thesis accurate. In other words, the winning formula for a popular TED talk is to wrap the big idea in a story. What kind of story?