2024 ELLT 2504 Describing and Persuading

Understanding Persuasion and Description in Communication

1. Concepts and Definitions

  • Persuasion: The act of convincing others to accept a certain view.

  • Fact vs. Opinion:

    • Fact: A statement that can be proven true.

    • Opinion: A belief or judgment that is not based on certainty.

  • Bias: A tendency to favor one side over another.

  • Prejudice: Preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience.

2. Importance of Recognizing Bias

  • Readers need to distinguish between fact and opinion.

  • Writers and speakers should aim to communicate persuasively while avoiding bias and prejudice.

  • Effective communication requires the ability to describe, instruct, and persuade an audience skillfully.

3. Examples of Describing and Persuading

  • Common scenarios:

    • Talking about a favorite reality show.

    • Selling a product.

    • Raising funds for a cause.

    • Participating in a dating show.

    • Delivering a political speech.

    • Interviewing for a job.

    • Expressing personal preferences.

Structuring a Talk

4. Key Considerations for Preparation

  • Structure main points clearly for audience understanding based on the purpose (describing vs. persuading).

  • Considerations for different scenarios:

    • Describing: More straightforward narrative flow.

    • Persuading: More structured, argument-driven approach.

5. Structuring Descriptive vs. Persuasive Talks

  • Example of Descriptive Structure (Nurse addressing new employees):

    • General background of the hospital.

    • Day-to-day operations in the department.

    • Personal job responsibilities.

    • Enjoyable aspects of the job.

    • Challenges faced in the job.

  • Example of Persuasive Structure:

    • Introduce background context.

    • Present opposing arguments.

    • Discuss flaws in opposing arguments.

    • State personal arguments.

    • Highlight benefits of personal arguments.

Specific Examples and Applications

6. Anti-Smoking Campaign Structure

  • Background Information: General understanding of smoking habits.

  • Rationale: Reasons smokers continue to smoke.

  • Evidence: Health damage caused by smoking.

  • Financial Impact: Cost implications for individuals and healthcare systems.

  • Solutions: Simple tips to quit smoking.

7. Utilizing Cue Cards in Presentations

  • Cue cards aid in memory during presentations.

  • Each card should include:

    • Heading of the main point.

    • Brief notes or prompts.

8. Importance of Markers and Signposts

  • Markers enhance clarity in speech and writing:

    • Examples: "on the one hand," "nevertheless," "however."

  • Helps guide listeners through the talk and indicates transitions or new points.

Practical Exercises and Activities

9. Activity Examples

  • Plan a talk on blood donation, structuring main points accordingly.

  • Use previous examples to create cue cards based on given contexts (community center events).

Recap of Key Points

10. Key Takeaways

  • Cue cards support memory during presentations.

  • Verbal markers and signposts create clarity for listeners, helping them follow arguments.

  • Engagement with the audience is essential; check for understanding and invite questions.

Discourse Markers in Communication

11. Understanding Discourse Markers

  • Function: Facilitate flow in conversation, indicating changes in topics or reinforcing points.

  • Common markers in speaking include:

    • Anyway, right, so, well.

  • Importance of different styles in speaking and writing engagements.

12. Using "Well" as a Marker

  • Initiates thought or discussion in responses.

  • Functions to indicate changes in topic or transitions.

13. Common Errors with Discourse Markers

  • Misuse of "mind" in contexts (e.g., not using to-infinitive forms).

Conclusion

14. Review of Content

  • Exploration of text features for describing or persuading.

  • Utilization of signposts and markers effectively enhances communication.

  • Homework involves reading specific chapters to expand understanding of discussed concepts.

Misuse of "mind" in contexts (e.g., not using to-infinitive forms).

Conclusion

14. Review of Content

Exploration of text features for describing or persuading.

Utilization of signposts and markers effectively enhances communication.

Homework involves reading specific chapters to expand understanding of discussed concepts.