Critical Analysis of the Ability to Clearly Communicate an Argument - Report Example

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ABILITY TO CLEARLY COMMUNICATE AN ARGUMENT

INTRODUCTION

An argument refers to the collection of well-constructed sentences that attempt to establish that a given conclusion is true. There are two main distinguishing features of an argument which are, arguments try to convince or prove a particular subject to the people, and it provides evidence to support the subject matter. From the two characteristics of arguments, it is justifiable to conclude that for an argument to hold, it must convince and provide substantive evidence to the target audience. It is essential to understand that during an argument, the claim that an individual tries to prove is referred to as a conclusion while the claims provided to support the conclusion is known as a premise.

Simply, premises are reasons provided in an argument which shows why the conclusion should be supported. Any given argument contains a conclusion and a premise, but for the argument to be successful it must be both valid and sound. The validity of an argument comes along with justified premises which give the authority to the argument to be true. Breaking down this concept, it means that a valid argument is the one where the conclusion is made based on the truthfulness of the premises . On the other hand, an argument is considered to be sound if it meets two major conditions which are validity, and integrity of the premises.

Analysis of factors promoting ability to communicate an Argument Efficiently

After understanding the two distinctive features of an argument and knowing that an argument should be valid and sound, other factors also play a major role in ensuring that the argument is effectively communicated to the target audience. Therefore, the following factors come in handy when presenting an argument to any given target population or group. However, they portray what the ability to effectively engage in argument depends on;

Practicing mindfulness before arguing

Mindfulness is the mental state that is usually achieved by an individual’s awareness of the present state while acknowledging and accepting personal feelings, thoughts as well as body sensations. When getting ready to argue on a given subject, an individual has to accept the position he or she is in, concerning the argument. If the person falls on the opposing side or supporting side of the argument, it is his sole responsibility to accept it and present the premises accordingly. It shows confidence and acceptance by the person arguing. Failure to accept reality will cause a person to provide false premises which makes the conclusion to be false.

Avoiding Evaluation in an argument

A famous Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti considers the ability to observe without evaluating by human beings as the highest structure of human intelligence. He states that every individual sees and interprets the surrounding differently. In the context of the argument, it is important to deliver premises without evaluating but relying on the facts effectively. The reason for avoiding evaluation is to avoid the other party from counterattacking your presentation. However, evaluation is a direct judgment of a given matter, and no one loves to be judged. For instance, let’s consider the following set of statements;

a.) “You are rarely excited to watch a movie with me.”

b.) “The last time I invited you for a movie, you were not in the mood.”

The two statements are related in that they involve an invite to watching a movie, but one of the statements is an evaluation while the other is a fact. The first statement remains to be vulnerable given that it is subject to a counterattack but the second option is a fact. Therefore, to effectively communicate an argument, it is essential to avoid evaluation but instead, hold on to facts to give your argument a chance of winning. In addition, Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg insists that avoiding evaluation in an argument is one of the first pillars of having an effective dialogue.

Forgetting of your Ego

Ego is an individual’s feeling of self-importance at a given situation or condition, and in most cases, it is concerned with winning. When arguing, winning should not be the primary focus instead, focusing on the other party should be one of the principal aims. Focusing will give you the perfect direction on which to base your argument on and come to a decisive conclusion. However, focusing allows you to ask necessary questions that will support your conclusion, and it as well avoids the eruption of conflicts.

Use of Positive Language

A positive language is necessary for an argument or in any conversation to that matter as it shows good will of your presentation. A positive language is merely a form of communication that does not portray anger, insult, or any form of personal issues. When arguing, your ability to efficiently deliver the premises depends on the language in use. The target audience are to understand and appreciate the language in use for them to consider your conclusion and to give positive feedback. In most cases, the use of a positive language in an argument depicts maturity and understanding of the subject matter . It is therefore appropriate and recommendable to make use of a conducive language in conveying your premises in an argument.

Proper Branding and Presentation

Every premise in an argument is unique and requires an attractive way of presenting to avoid losing the concentration of the audience. Branding comes along with the main point that is to be delivered by the premise. It should give the audience the desire and anticipation of having the point, and in turn, it allows the audience to think through the given presentation. However, proper branding and presentation gives courage to the presenter since he/she choose what he or she is fluent and conversant with adequately.

Having positive attitude towards the argument

A positive attitude shows that the conclusion a person is supporting is beneficial to him or her and the public. It conveys an important message to the public that enough consultations and research has been done before engaging in the argument. However, since an argument is aimed at providing the best option to conflicting interests, it shows that the premises being provided are the best at that particular moment. In the case that a person presents his or her argument with a negative attitude, it merely shows lack of confidence and certainty of the suggested conclusion.

Identifying purpose of the argument

The ability to effectively communicate an argument depends solely on the purpose of engaging in the argument. A person must identify why it is essential to take part in the argument and what benefits will be achieved from engaging in the presentation. However, the interests of the argument should be based on selflessness rather that self-interests for it to be supported by the target audience.

Adequate Research and precise flow of information

It is one of the significant factors to consider before participating in an argument, and it requires allocation of ample time. Research exposes an individual to all necessary outcomes of the argument and ways of achieving the required conclusion. It also provides a person with information to present in support of the conclusion. The research can either be quantitative or and qualitative which shows the recipient of the information that enough research has been done. However, researching ensures that the argument is presented strategically in that one point is exhausted after another . Presenting a premise in a systematic manner avoids contradiction, and it allows exploitation of every point.

Summary

The paper has highlighted that an argument is a set of well-structured sentences aimed at conveying a specific information to a target audience. However, there has been a highlight of the two distinctive features of an argument which are convincing and providing evidence for a given situation. However, for an argument to hold, the premises must be valid and sound. The paper has identified the factors that influence the ability to communicate an argument effectively. Simply, the paper has given an analysis of the factors to consider for effective communication of an argument. Some of the primary factors to consider are, carrying out research and having a good flow of premises, using a positive language, identifying the purpose of the argument, and avoiding an evaluation. However, it is essential to understand the audience which helps in understanding the required style of presenting the information necessary for the support of the argument conclusion.