Communication and Argumentation Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering basic principles of communication, rhetorical appeals, persuasive tactics, argument structures, and types of evidence based on the lecture notes.

Communicare

The Latin word from which communication derives, the essence of which is sharing information, ideas, and emotions.

C R A A P

An abbreviation standing for Current, Relevant, Authority, Accurate, Purpose.

Logos

Logical appeal; one of the three foundational types of appeals used to influence others.

Pathos

Emotional appeal; one of the three foundational types of appeals used to influence others.

Ethos

The credibility of the speaker; one of the three foundational types of appeals used to influence others.

Rhetorical triangle

A diagram that illustrates the interrelationship among the message, audience, and communicator.

Message

A component of the rhetorical triangle comprising information, argument, reasons, evidence, data, and structure.

Audience

A component of the rhetorical triangle encompassing beliefs, values, knowledge, and experience.

Communicator

A component of the rhetorical triangle encompassing ethos (credibility), authority, correctness, appearance, and eloquence.

Persuasive Tactics

Various strategies used to influence another person's decision.

Foot-in-the-door

A persuasive technique involving making a small request to increase the chances of making a bigger one later.

Yes-yes technique

A persuasive tactic that elicits positive responses to several parts of the appeal, saving the main request for the end.

Don't ask if, ask which

A persuasive tactic that narrows the choices down to just a few or two instead of presenting numerous options.

Answering a question with a question

A persuasive tactic that steers the conversation by responding to inquiries with another question.

Partial Commitment

A persuasive tactic where one gets a commitment for some part of a larger request to encourage eventual full commitment.

Planting

A persuasive tactic that subtly introduces an idea that will be developed more fully later.

IOU Technique

A persuasive tactic that creates a feeling of obligation that encourages a favorable response in the future.

Argument and argument building

A structured way of presenting ideas, using a clear pattern of argument, reasons, and evidence to persuade others.

Argument

Defined by Govier (2010) as when you make a claim, back it up with evidence, and defend it.

A-R-E

An acronym representing the components of argument building: assertion, reasoning, evidence.

Assertion

Your main claim or the point you are trying to make; it should be clear and powerful, directly addressing the topic or question at hand.

Reasoning

The "because" part of your argument that explains why your assertion is valid, linking your claim to your evidence.

Evidence

Concrete facts, data, or citations from relevant sources used to support your reasoning and help solidify your assertion.

Authorities

Experts who provide specialized knowledge, adding credibility to a writer's claims to enhance the trustworthiness and depth of arguments.

Testimonies

Eyewitness or firsthand accounts that offer direct, personal perspectives on a topic, enriching the argument's authenticity and relatability.

Facts

Widely accepted knowledge that stand alone without the need of additional support in an argument, substantiated by evidence and inherently carrying their own validation.

Statistics

Figures derived from surveys, experiments, and data analysis, providing quantifiable evidence that can strengthen arguments by illustrating trends, proportions, or significant relationships.

Allusions

References to widely recognized knowledge from history, current events, pop culture, religion, or literature, which enrich an argument by drawing parallels or invoking shared understanding.

Anecdotes

Brief stories or accounts of specific events or incidents that support the arguer's point, providing illustrative examples that make arguments more relatable or persuasive.

Scenarios

Fictional or hypothetical examples used to illustrate potential outcomes or situations, helping to clarify complex points and enhance the persuasiveness of an argument.

Logical Fallacy

essentially flaws in the structure of an argument that can invalidate your claims

Argument against the person

A logical fallacy that occurs when someone attacks the character or motive of a person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

Argument that goes in circular

the arguer evades the real conclusion by restating the same conclusion in new words, making the reasoning circular

non sequitur or “it does not follow”