Topic 5: Argumentation

  • The next step is to learn how to be more persuasive. Being persuasive is important in all areas of life, especially in conflict resolution. Here is a simple argumentation model, which is easy to use and very useful.
  • Argumentation is the evidence and supporting material to a statement (opinion or goal). Argumentation may be rational and non-rational. Rational argumentation are the actual facts and data. Non-rational argumentation is based on personal opinions and emotions. Since people are emotional beings very often decisions are made based on emotions, and only after that, are justified by rational arguments. That is why the ancient Greeks in their art of rhetoric (the art of using language persuasively) use both logos (rational argumentation) and pathos (emotional influence).
  • A simple logical argumentation model can be structured in about 5 sentences: one sentence for introduction and or/stating your thesis or opinion; three sentences for stating your rational arguments and one sentence for a conclusion or introducing your opinion. According to best practices in rhetoric three arguments are the optimum you should use or you can also decide to have two arguments, but support them very well with facts and examples.