Detailed Notes on Incorporating Naysayers in Writing

Importance of Anticipating Criticism

• Writer's Experience: Jane Tompkins often feels panic about missing objections to her argument, which leads to stronger writing once she integrates these criticisms.
• Key Lesson: Incorporating opposing views can enhance the quality of a piece rather than detract from it.

Benefits of Including a Naysayer

• Strengthening Credibility: Acknowledging potential objections shows readers that:
• You respect their intelligence.
• You are confident in your argument.
• Engaging with Dialogue: Writing is an act of conversation, not just expressing uncontroversial truths.

How to Incorporate Counterarguments Effectively

• Planting Naysayers in Text: Include phrases such as:
• "Some readers may object…"
• "Yet, many will disagree…"
• Avoid Closed-Mindedness: Ignoring criticism can lead to an appearance of arrogance or a lack of thorough reasoning.

Templates for Counterarguments

• Generic Attribution: Use “skeptics” and “readers” to introduce objections without pinpointing specific groups.
• Named Actors in the Argument: More precise labeling can enhance clarity, e.g., "Many feminists would object that…"
• Informal Introductions: Frame objections as questions, e.g., "But is my proposal realistic?" to invite reader engagement.

Fair Representation of Objections

• Avoid Mocking Critical Views: Directly addressing objections fosters trust with readers.
• Length of Engagement: Spend ample time addressing counterarguments.
• Consider reading your summaries from the perspective of the opposing side.

Answering Objections Persuasively

• Challenge Counterarguments Responsibly: Acknowledge their validity but counter with your perspective. Use templates like:
• "Although I grant that…, I still maintain…"
• "Yes, but…"
• Great Philosophical Insight: If an objection remains strong, consider revising your argument to strengthen its foundation.

Exercises for Improvement

1. Practice Adding Naysayers: Using Eric Schlosser's argument, create a counterargument section to highlight potential objections and responses.
2. Revise Your Work: Go through your previous writings to ensure they've adequately engaged with opposing viewpoints. Consider if this inclusion strengthens your argument.