Whether prepping for a big presentation or helping an elementary school debate club prep an argument about why they should get more recess, many of the elements that go into crafting a persuasive argument are universal.
Elizabeth Farrell, a coordinator of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s mock trial program in Union County and associate at Dughi, Hewitt and Domalewski, recently offered some tips at a Union County elementary school that are useful guidelines to keep in mind for anyone looking to make a convincing argument stick.
Here are Farrell’s top pointers for crafting a strong argument and presenting it successfully:
Before you even begin to draft your argument, know who your audience is and use that information to frame your argument.
Carefully craft a topic sentence or introductory statement with three primary elements: the topic, your position and why the listener should care or come to agree with your argument.
Be vigilant about selecting the right evidence to support your argument. Winnow down your facts and reasons and only present the best and strongest. Even if you have 100 reasons, it is not wise to say or argue all of them since you will dilute your argument and lose your audience’s attention.
See it from both sides. Anticipate and try to figure out your opponent’s best arguments and either address them or use them to your advantage.
Maintain your credibility throughout your argument. Don’t stretch facts, oversell or overpromise what your evidence can deliver. You don’t want to break the trust of your audience.
Bring it home with a conclusion that restates your topic and reviews your key facts, but also offers emotional appeal that reminds the listener about why they should care about and agree with your position.
Speak slowly and clearly. The periods and commas in sentences are there for a reason. Let them direct your presentation.
Make eye contact.
Don’t rely on notes. Jot down the key ideas to prevent yourself from being tempted to read rather than present.
Watch your hands. Try not to flop and flail. Quiet your hands so people can listen to your words.
The New Jersey State Bar Foundation's mock trial programming serves thousands of students from third grade to high school. Each year, hundreds of schools around the state take part in the programming. Later this month, the top high school teams will go head-to-head for the state title in the Vincent J. Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition.