What's your strategy for backing up your arguments?

When you give a public speech, you want to persuade your audience to accept your point of view, or at least consider it seriously. But how do you make your arguments more credible and convincing? How do you avoid being challenged or dismissed by your listeners? In this article, we will share some tips on how to back up your arguments with evidence, logic, and ethos.

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1 Use evidence

Evidence is the factual information that supports your claim. It can be data, statistics, examples, anecdotes, quotations, or anything else that is relevant and verifiable. Evidence helps to prove that your argument is based on facts and reality rather than opinions, assumptions, or biases. To use evidence effectively, it should be appropriate for your topic, audience, and purpose. For example, if you are discussing a scientific issue, you should use scientific data and sources. Additionally, the evidence should be reliable and credible; you should cite your sources and avoid outdated or biased information. Furthermore, the evidence should be sufficient and relevant; provide enough evidence to support your argument without overwhelming or distracting your audience. Make sure that the evidence is directly related to your argument and not a tangent or a fallacy.

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Kimberly A. M.Sc.

One Stop Shop for The Marketplace
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#1) Know your audience and what pain point they are seeking to resolve. #2) Gather and compile the latest, actionable research that can be easily understood and acted upon. #3) Give case studies and examples of the research in action. #4) Give the results of the impact of the action. For example, allied health organizations in the profession of Occupational Therapy (audience) asked for guidance in following models of culturally and linguistically appropriate health care (pain point). Research from Health and Human Services Minority Health and CDC best practices were gathered and presented to them. I presented studies on a County based model of public health programs and their impact to the immigrant and POC communities I was affiliated.

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2 Use logic

Logic is the reasoning that connects your evidence to your claim, demonstrating how your evidence proves or supports your argument. It also helps you to avoid logical fallacies, which are errors or flaws in reasoning that can undermine your argument. Examples of common logical fallacies include ad hominem, which attacks the person instead of the argument; straw man, which misrepresents or exaggerates an opponent's argument; hasty generalization, which makes a conclusion based on insufficient evidence; slippery slope, which assumes a small step will lead to a disastrous outcome without showing a causal link; and false dilemma, which presents only two options when there are more possibilities. To use logic effectively, you should use clear and coherent language that avoids ambiguity, vagueness, or jargon. You should also make sure that your arguments are based on true premises and follow the rules of logic. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge and address potential objections or criticisms that your audience might have and explain why your argument is stronger than the alternative.

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3 Use ethos

Ethos is the appeal to the character and credibility of the speaker, helping to establish rapport and authority with an audience. To use ethos effectively, you should demonstrate your expertise and knowledge by showing that you have done your research and citing credible sources. Additionally, you should demonstrate your honesty and integrity by being sincere and respectful, admitting any weaknesses in your argument, and avoiding exaggeration or distortion. Lastly, demonstrate your goodwill and empathy by caring about your audience's interests and needs, acknowledging their perspectives, and trying to find common ground.

Backing up arguments is an important skill for public speaking; it can help persuade an audience, strengthen credibility, and avoid being challenged or dismissed. By using evidence, logic, and ethos, you can make your arguments more powerful and convincing.

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Wesdyne Otto

Inclusion Diversity Accessibility Equity Trainer
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This is linked to what makes good research, background research, admitting bias, and pointing out the limitations of what is being present. The greatest factor for audiences is demonstrating why you are qualified to speak on the topic. This includes showing your connection to the topic, bias, and limitation as an expert. Ethically, stay within your boundaries. Hypothesizing, appropriating another's voice, and making generalizations are sloppy and unethical practices.

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4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Cris Price

Licensed Realtor at Living Down South Realty
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I believe that it is important to be well informed first and then with confidence speak kindly and thoughtfully to communicate your point in such a way that your audience will actually hear you.

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What's your strategy for backing up your arguments?

1

2

3

4

1 Use evidence

2 Use logic

3 Use ethos

4 Here’s what else to consider

Public Speaking

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What's your strategy for backing up your arguments?

1

2

3

4

1 Use evidence

2 Use logic

3 Use ethos

4 Here’s what else to consider

Public Speaking

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