Reasoning in Persuasion
The last time I was in a persuasive discussion, I was trying to convince my parents to register and vote during the 2008 presidential elections. I used a couple different kinds of reasonings in order to persuade them successfully. First, I tried using inductive reasoning by presenting specific examples of all our friends and family who had registered and were enthusiastic about voting. This reasoning didn't work, mainly because my evidence to argue my point appealed to popularity. Being a major fallacy in evidence, my argument didn't score many points with the parents. I then tried using deductive reasoning to convince them. I reasoned that if it is a right of american citizens to vote for their own president, and if my parents are american citizens, then they should actively vote in the elections. This seemed to work better and they agreed that it was definitely a privilege to be living in a country where freedom of expression meant that they could voice their consent for the nation too. I, finally, used casual reasoning to predict that if enough people voted for "X" nominee then he may actually win. This reasoning also went well for my parents as they realized the importance of being even a small part of something as significant as picking the next US president.
I also tried to convince a couple of my in-laws to vote. The same reasonings were used, and the same reaction occurred. It's amazing how important your argument can be when you are trying to convince someone to agree with your viewpoint on something. One illogical argument or fallacious evidence and the entire conclusion that you are trying to draw can fall apart.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Discussion # 1 11/16
Response to Reading Ch. 15 & 16
Chapter 15
Arguments are important in successfully persuading your audience to accept the claim you are making in your speech. Therefore, your claim as well as the evidence you are presenting to support it should be clear and relevant to your claim. Chapter 15 gives some insight about fallacies and irrelevance in speech claims and evidence. There are many different kinds of fallacies that exist. Here are a few that the book defines:
Fallacies in Claim
False dilemma - This is when the claim tries to draw a conclusion based on two extreme situations (the either-or thinking).
Begging the question - This is when the claim itself states that the argument one is making is true.
Slippery slope - This is when the claim draws an illogical connection between an event that has already occurred and one that will inevitably occur due to the first event.
Ad ignorantium - This is when the claim deems something to be true because it hasn't been proven false yet.
Fallacies in Evidence
Red herring - When evidence provided for a claim is unrelated and used to distract the audience.
Ad populum - When evidence to prove the truth of a claim is based on popular consent.
Appeal to tradition - When evidence to prove the truth of a claim is based on tradition.
Comparative evidence - Inaccurate or irrelevant use of statistics.
Chapter 16
Different kinds of speeches can call for different styles and methods used to successfully send a message to the audience. For instance, how you write the intro to an introductory speech versus one to a persuasive speech will be similar (as they both will introduce the main points and thesis) but will also be different due to the starkly different purposes of each. Presentations can be done in large groups (making keynotes at a conference) or in front of small groups (as in round-table discussions). Speeches can be tributes and eulogies, nominations and classroom presentations. Whatever the purpose may be, all speeches are made of the same fundamental components. And as long as you pay attention to those components your speech will always be successful.
Chapter 15
Arguments are important in successfully persuading your audience to accept the claim you are making in your speech. Therefore, your claim as well as the evidence you are presenting to support it should be clear and relevant to your claim. Chapter 15 gives some insight about fallacies and irrelevance in speech claims and evidence. There are many different kinds of fallacies that exist. Here are a few that the book defines:
Fallacies in Claim
False dilemma - This is when the claim tries to draw a conclusion based on two extreme situations (the either-or thinking).
Begging the question - This is when the claim itself states that the argument one is making is true.
Slippery slope - This is when the claim draws an illogical connection between an event that has already occurred and one that will inevitably occur due to the first event.
Ad ignorantium - This is when the claim deems something to be true because it hasn't been proven false yet.
Fallacies in Evidence
Red herring - When evidence provided for a claim is unrelated and used to distract the audience.
Ad populum - When evidence to prove the truth of a claim is based on popular consent.
Appeal to tradition - When evidence to prove the truth of a claim is based on tradition.
Comparative evidence - Inaccurate or irrelevant use of statistics.
Chapter 16
Different kinds of speeches can call for different styles and methods used to successfully send a message to the audience. For instance, how you write the intro to an introductory speech versus one to a persuasive speech will be similar (as they both will introduce the main points and thesis) but will also be different due to the starkly different purposes of each. Presentations can be done in large groups (making keynotes at a conference) or in front of small groups (as in round-table discussions). Speeches can be tributes and eulogies, nominations and classroom presentations. Whatever the purpose may be, all speeches are made of the same fundamental components. And as long as you pay attention to those components your speech will always be successful.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Discussion # 2 - 11/9
Persuasive Speech Progress
I am planning on doing my persuasive speech on why instant weight-loss schemes should not be used to reduce weight. In this day and age, people are paying more and more attention to being healthy and keeping fit. The young and old are watching what they eat and trying to workout regularly in order to avoid weight-related health scares. Such would include: diabetes, heart problems, blood pressure and cholesterol issues alike. And although the desire to be healthier has increased in the past decade, there has also been a steep increase in the number of methods that can be employed in order to reduce weight fast. There are numerous "get-thin-quick" schemes that exist today and they probably cause more damage to our bodies than good. By preparing a speech on how these rapid-weight loss methods hinder us in becoming healthier, I hope to persuade my audience to adopt a more long term and fit lifestyle.
I will begin my speech by giving an introduction about fitness and how public view of healthy living has changed in the past decade. I will also provide some reasons why adopting a healthy lifestyle is beneficial to us all. I will give some examples of the different types of methods people use to reduce weight, and differentiate between safe methods (regular cardio/eating right) and the unsafe methods (crash diets/weight-loss pills/lipo). My intro should let listeners know how strongly I am against the quick and easy weight-loss methods.
The main points I will be discussing are as follows:
I - Side-effects of quick methods
II - Short term benefits of quick methods
III - Statistics
Finally, my conclusion will recap all the information that I gave during my speech, and briefly cover the benefits of taking the time and putting in effort to change how we eat/workout in order to have more long term benefits of being healthy.
I am planning on doing my persuasive speech on why instant weight-loss schemes should not be used to reduce weight. In this day and age, people are paying more and more attention to being healthy and keeping fit. The young and old are watching what they eat and trying to workout regularly in order to avoid weight-related health scares. Such would include: diabetes, heart problems, blood pressure and cholesterol issues alike. And although the desire to be healthier has increased in the past decade, there has also been a steep increase in the number of methods that can be employed in order to reduce weight fast. There are numerous "get-thin-quick" schemes that exist today and they probably cause more damage to our bodies than good. By preparing a speech on how these rapid-weight loss methods hinder us in becoming healthier, I hope to persuade my audience to adopt a more long term and fit lifestyle.
I will begin my speech by giving an introduction about fitness and how public view of healthy living has changed in the past decade. I will also provide some reasons why adopting a healthy lifestyle is beneficial to us all. I will give some examples of the different types of methods people use to reduce weight, and differentiate between safe methods (regular cardio/eating right) and the unsafe methods (crash diets/weight-loss pills/lipo). My intro should let listeners know how strongly I am against the quick and easy weight-loss methods.
The main points I will be discussing are as follows:
I - Side-effects of quick methods
II - Short term benefits of quick methods
III - Statistics
Finally, my conclusion will recap all the information that I gave during my speech, and briefly cover the benefits of taking the time and putting in effort to change how we eat/workout in order to have more long term benefits of being healthy.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Discussion # 1 - 11/9
Response to Reading Ch. 14
Chapter 14 goes into detail about the art of making Persuasive speeches. The most interesting concepts that were discussed in this chapter included all the different types of persuasive speeches that exist. A persuasive speech topic can fall under the following categories: questions of fact, questions of value, and questions of policy. Questions of fact speeches focus on convincing the audience whether something is true of false. For example, a speech on chocolate being bad for oily skin may persuade the audience to agree that chocolate DOES in fact cause breakouts. Questions of value speeches focus on convincing the audience whether something has a certain value. A speech on whether animated cartoons should be considered artistic may persuade the audience that movies like Toy Story deserved an Academy award for animation. Questions of policy speeches focus on convincing the audience whether action must be taken towards eradicating an issue. For example, a speech on making uniforms compulsory in high school may persuade the audience to agree that uniforms will allow students to be equal and focus on education rather than fashion.
Persuasive speeches are used to influence the opinion of the audience. By using the right type of persuasive speech, employing the correct organizational pattern, and building a strong case by researching well, you can be sure to sway the audience in favor of your own opinion!
Chapter 14 goes into detail about the art of making Persuasive speeches. The most interesting concepts that were discussed in this chapter included all the different types of persuasive speeches that exist. A persuasive speech topic can fall under the following categories: questions of fact, questions of value, and questions of policy. Questions of fact speeches focus on convincing the audience whether something is true of false. For example, a speech on chocolate being bad for oily skin may persuade the audience to agree that chocolate DOES in fact cause breakouts. Questions of value speeches focus on convincing the audience whether something has a certain value. A speech on whether animated cartoons should be considered artistic may persuade the audience that movies like Toy Story deserved an Academy award for animation. Questions of policy speeches focus on convincing the audience whether action must be taken towards eradicating an issue. For example, a speech on making uniforms compulsory in high school may persuade the audience to agree that uniforms will allow students to be equal and focus on education rather than fashion.
Persuasive speeches are used to influence the opinion of the audience. By using the right type of persuasive speech, employing the correct organizational pattern, and building a strong case by researching well, you can be sure to sway the audience in favor of your own opinion!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Discussion #2 - 11/2
Response to Speech Buddy Interactive Videos
10.1
Audience-centered language is important because it allows the audience to understand and retain the information that you are presenting in your speech. Inclusive language is a well-known part of that as you don't want certain members of the audience feel left out by only speaking to a specific group of people present. Giving visual examples, using humor, and sparking the audience's imagination are also ways that you can capture the audience's attention and make your speech concepts more vivid to them. I often use hypothetical situations or anecdotes that will give audience members a more personal and clear understanding of my speech topics. I might use hypothetical situations for my persuasive speech so that people can literally get into my shoes and see my point of view.
10.2
The kind of language that should be used during your speech should be concise. This fundamental. Because most public-speaking situations are time-bound, it is important to be able to say what you want to say in the most efficient way. I like using sentences that re succinct and pithy. Offensive language, and too much repetition of certain filler-type words can be distracting and can undermine your speech altogether.
12.1
Vocal delivery is the mechanics of actually making your speech. Volume, pitch, rate, variety, articulation and pronunciation are the main aspects that make up vocal delivery. It's obvious that voice projection and pitch are key helping your audience actually hear your words before they start processing them. Articulation and pronunciation are also important. If the audience didn't understand how you pronounced certain words or if you mumbled a lot, they probably won't be able to understand many sentences and concepts in your speech. Rate (or speed) is important in creating a flow to your speech that the audience can follow. At times, to make a point or create suspense the rate of your speech can be varied by adding pauses. However, too many pauses can also be distracting. I often pause for less than a second between my main points, to give closure to one point before I move to the next.
12.2
Physical delivery has to do with eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, movement, and appearance. These are the major visuals that the audience will be watching throughout your speech. You should make eye contact to draw in your audience and give them importance as listeners. Facial expressions and gestures should be matched with the concepts you are making in the speech, without distracting from it. Appearance and attire can depend on the kind of speech you are making and where you will be making it. I would dress up for an informative speech about The Indian tribes of colonial America, but I wouldn't dress up for a persuasive speech on abortion.
12.3
Practicing your speech is really important. This doesn't mean just sitting and memorizing the speech outline you have created. It is important to know your outline, however, you should be familiar enough with all the concepts so that you can create bulleted note cards that you will use for the speech itself. Practice standing up in front of a mirror 0r in front of family and friends allows you to get comfortable with the delivery of the speech. Also it can help you get some feedback from either what you see in the mirror (such as not making enough eye contact) or what your pseudo audience tells you (such as speaking too fast). I practice numerous times alone, as well as in front of my husband to prepare myself for public-speaking situations.
10.1
Audience-centered language is important because it allows the audience to understand and retain the information that you are presenting in your speech. Inclusive language is a well-known part of that as you don't want certain members of the audience feel left out by only speaking to a specific group of people present. Giving visual examples, using humor, and sparking the audience's imagination are also ways that you can capture the audience's attention and make your speech concepts more vivid to them. I often use hypothetical situations or anecdotes that will give audience members a more personal and clear understanding of my speech topics. I might use hypothetical situations for my persuasive speech so that people can literally get into my shoes and see my point of view.
10.2
The kind of language that should be used during your speech should be concise. This fundamental. Because most public-speaking situations are time-bound, it is important to be able to say what you want to say in the most efficient way. I like using sentences that re succinct and pithy. Offensive language, and too much repetition of certain filler-type words can be distracting and can undermine your speech altogether.
12.1
Vocal delivery is the mechanics of actually making your speech. Volume, pitch, rate, variety, articulation and pronunciation are the main aspects that make up vocal delivery. It's obvious that voice projection and pitch are key helping your audience actually hear your words before they start processing them. Articulation and pronunciation are also important. If the audience didn't understand how you pronounced certain words or if you mumbled a lot, they probably won't be able to understand many sentences and concepts in your speech. Rate (or speed) is important in creating a flow to your speech that the audience can follow. At times, to make a point or create suspense the rate of your speech can be varied by adding pauses. However, too many pauses can also be distracting. I often pause for less than a second between my main points, to give closure to one point before I move to the next.
12.2
Physical delivery has to do with eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, movement, and appearance. These are the major visuals that the audience will be watching throughout your speech. You should make eye contact to draw in your audience and give them importance as listeners. Facial expressions and gestures should be matched with the concepts you are making in the speech, without distracting from it. Appearance and attire can depend on the kind of speech you are making and where you will be making it. I would dress up for an informative speech about The Indian tribes of colonial America, but I wouldn't dress up for a persuasive speech on abortion.
12.3
Practicing your speech is really important. This doesn't mean just sitting and memorizing the speech outline you have created. It is important to know your outline, however, you should be familiar enough with all the concepts so that you can create bulleted note cards that you will use for the speech itself. Practice standing up in front of a mirror 0r in front of family and friends allows you to get comfortable with the delivery of the speech. Also it can help you get some feedback from either what you see in the mirror (such as not making enough eye contact) or what your pseudo audience tells you (such as speaking too fast). I practice numerous times alone, as well as in front of my husband to prepare myself for public-speaking situations.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Discussion #1 - 11/2
Response to Reading Ch. 10 & 12
Ch. 10
This chapter dealt with the concept of language. The written and spoken word are what allow us to communicate our thoughts and ideas with the rest of the world. I was definitely familiar with certain concepts such as language and gender, figurative language, cultural influence on language, many other defining themes discussed in this chapter. However, I was very interested to read the section on the spoken versus written language. Often when I write a speech with the goal of orally delivering it, the words and structure are very different as compared to the material I produce for an essay. This is best described as dynamic versus static language. Dynamic language is required when the speaker and audience interface directly, and the language is orally delivered to listeners. The amount of time isn't unlimited to present ideas and thoughts, and listeners don't have the luxury of re-hearing certain passages of the speech. Therefore, it is a dynamic or actively-changing situation. My strategy for writing a 5 minute speech will be to use clear, pithy statements that are organized into a simple structure and can be understood and retained by my audience easily. However, when I write a 5 page essay I will focus on clarity, but I will try to use good supporting evidence to really develop my main points. I may not try to focus too much on brevity or on making certain statements interesting.
Ch. 12
I have been part of the speech and debate club in my high school, and have given many impromptu as well as extemporaneous speeches. Impromptu speeches are very fun to do as they get your heart rate up and some of the best things that you can say end up coming out spontaneously. However, this chapter deals with more than just the different kinds of speech deliveries. It also discusses how a basic speech should be orally delivered. Voice, speed, articulation, and body language are all key in making or breaking a successful speech.
Ch. 10
This chapter dealt with the concept of language. The written and spoken word are what allow us to communicate our thoughts and ideas with the rest of the world. I was definitely familiar with certain concepts such as language and gender, figurative language, cultural influence on language, many other defining themes discussed in this chapter. However, I was very interested to read the section on the spoken versus written language. Often when I write a speech with the goal of orally delivering it, the words and structure are very different as compared to the material I produce for an essay. This is best described as dynamic versus static language. Dynamic language is required when the speaker and audience interface directly, and the language is orally delivered to listeners. The amount of time isn't unlimited to present ideas and thoughts, and listeners don't have the luxury of re-hearing certain passages of the speech. Therefore, it is a dynamic or actively-changing situation. My strategy for writing a 5 minute speech will be to use clear, pithy statements that are organized into a simple structure and can be understood and retained by my audience easily. However, when I write a 5 page essay I will focus on clarity, but I will try to use good supporting evidence to really develop my main points. I may not try to focus too much on brevity or on making certain statements interesting.
Ch. 12
I have been part of the speech and debate club in my high school, and have given many impromptu as well as extemporaneous speeches. Impromptu speeches are very fun to do as they get your heart rate up and some of the best things that you can say end up coming out spontaneously. However, this chapter deals with more than just the different kinds of speech deliveries. It also discusses how a basic speech should be orally delivered. Voice, speed, articulation, and body language are all key in making or breaking a successful speech.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Discussion #3 - 10/26
Response to Reading
Chapter 11 was mainly about the different kinds of presentation media that can be used to supplement our speeches. While presentation media may or may not be required in some speeches, I believe they enhance speeches in many ways. The book definitely goes over the main advantages of having presentation media included in our speeches. They can be used to illustrate points, draw attention to a certain topic, clarify a point, support an argument, and they promote better retention of your speech by the audience. I use presentation media for two main reasons. Firstly, I like to illustrate points and show graphic examples during my speech so that the audience gains a better understanding of my topic. And secondly, I always include a succinct outline of my speech in the presentation media (for instance a slideshow) allowing my audience to follow a road map of where my speech is headed. This way, without being distracted, my audience can really understand my thoughts and the speech.
Presentation media are very useful for any speech, as long as they don't distract you from directing your speech at the audience. Although I am a firm believer in using media in my speeches, I often have to question whether the use of one type over another would distract my audience and my own attention or not. For example, if I were to use printed our copies of all my visual aids instead of putting them on a slideshow, I may distract the audience's attention while they scan my print outs. It's important to evaluate which presentation works best in our public-speaking scenario.
Chapter 11 was mainly about the different kinds of presentation media that can be used to supplement our speeches. While presentation media may or may not be required in some speeches, I believe they enhance speeches in many ways. The book definitely goes over the main advantages of having presentation media included in our speeches. They can be used to illustrate points, draw attention to a certain topic, clarify a point, support an argument, and they promote better retention of your speech by the audience. I use presentation media for two main reasons. Firstly, I like to illustrate points and show graphic examples during my speech so that the audience gains a better understanding of my topic. And secondly, I always include a succinct outline of my speech in the presentation media (for instance a slideshow) allowing my audience to follow a road map of where my speech is headed. This way, without being distracted, my audience can really understand my thoughts and the speech.
Presentation media are very useful for any speech, as long as they don't distract you from directing your speech at the audience. Although I am a firm believer in using media in my speeches, I often have to question whether the use of one type over another would distract my audience and my own attention or not. For example, if I were to use printed our copies of all my visual aids instead of putting them on a slideshow, I may distract the audience's attention while they scan my print outs. It's important to evaluate which presentation works best in our public-speaking scenario.
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