Question

When you present a two-sided message, you want to avoid convincing your audience against your main message. You could prevent this by

a. presenting the opposing points before your points
b. presenting the opposing arguments before your weaker points
c. using a fear appeal for opposing arguments, and a rational appeal for your own.
d. presenting the opposing arguments in a weakened form so that your audience can develop counterarguments

Answer 1

To avoid reinforcing the opposing argument when presenting a two-sided message, one should present opposing arguments in a form that allows the audience to develop counterarguments while addressing them with depth, evidence, and reasoning.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question relates to strategies for presenting a two-sided message without reinforcing the opposing argument. To prevent convincing the audience against the main message, one can adopt several approaches. However, the most effective among the options provided would be d. presenting the opposing arguments in a weakened form so that your audience can develop counterarguments. This strategy involves summarizing the counterclaims at the beginning to allow for refutation throughout the piece, showing that you have researched the topic thoroughly and can counteract the opposing views with strong evidence and reasoning.

It's important to address dissenting opinions with empathy and avoid caricaturing them as a "straw man." Considering serious counterarguments in depth rather than listing many in a superficial manner helps in establishing a strong argument. Presenting one's own points with supporting evidence and reasoning further strengthens the argument, while providing a respectful consideration of opposing viewpoints.