03/01/2007
Previous | Next | Issues Home | Career Corner | Health | Personal Finance
There's a very fine line that we all have to walk when we want to make an argument about a controversial subject: On one hand, you want to limit the controversy as much as you can, because too much can lead to a lot of problems, ranging from flaring tempers to hurt feelings to broken noses!
On the other hand, controversial subjects are usually the most significant and, many times, the most useful to discuss.
Many people try to handle controversy by simply avoiding it. Unfortunately, this often leads to bland, wishy-washy arguments that really have nothing to say.
Other people face controversial subjects by bluntly stating their opinion, regardless of the situation or the reactions of the audience. These people often call themselves "frank," "candid," "upfront," or "in-your-face" -- but, they are about as effective as the people who have nothing to say.
Why? Because, for an argument or a persuasive message to work, there has to be COMMUNICATION. This means there has to be at least one person talking and one person listening. If a message is too blunt or controversial, then the audience has a tendency to "tune out" what is said -- they are too angry, shocked, or outraged to continue paying attention to what you have to say. As soon as they stop listening, communication is over and your message has failed.
How do you prevent this from happening? Well, I have found that the best way to present a controversial subject is to use a method called "proof-to-claim." To use this method, you hold the controversial point of your message (your claim) for the end of your argument, after you have had a chance to present all the information (proof) that supports the claim.
For instance, if you were telling your customers that you were going to have to raise your prices (a controversial subject to all of us who have to pinch pennies!), you would want to talk about the increased service you will be providing, or the increased costs you have been facing BEFORE you say that prices are rising.
This allows you to communicate your reasons before your audience gets angry, and therefore, harder to reach. In fact, by holding off on the controversial claim, your audience may even come to be more accepting of your message by the time you actually have to say those dreaded words -- lessening the negative effects to an acceptable level.
Right now, I can hear a lot of die-hard English Teachers screaming, "What are you saying? Your thesis has to come at the BEGINNING of your argument, NOT at the end!" Well, if you feel a little uncomfortable leaving your claim until the end, or if you are afraid that your audience is not going to be able to understand what your argument is about, then you can use a technique perfected by politicians through the ages: Be vague in the beginning.
By "vague," I mean that you can choose to tell your audience what you are arguing ABOUT at the beginning of your message, rather than what you are arguing FOR. For example, let's say that you are speaking to a group of gun owners about gun control -- if you say, "I think we should ban all handguns," you probably will not be able to get another word out, and even if you did, the audience would probably not be listening.
However, if you started by saying, "I think something needs to be done about gun control" or "Let's talk about the gun control issue," you have let your audience know what your topic is (so they won't be confused) but you have not stated your controversial claim yet (so they won't be upset). By being a little vague at the beginning, you will find you have more of a chance of passing along your information without any "emotional roadblocks" getting in the way.
Remember here that the thinking behind this advice is to encourage communication, NOT trick your audience! The point is that you should structure your message, whether it is a sales letter, Web page, or campaign speech, so that your listeners get the information they need to make an informed decision. By holding your controversial material for the end, you are ensuring that the audience gets this information before they have a chance to talk themselves out of it!
InternetWriters.com offers a full range of services to business and professional speakers, including speech writing and editing, personal coaching, and presentation development. Visit them at: internetwriters.com or call 801-328-9006 for more information.
© 2007 InternetWriters.comThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.