In chapter 6, the authors discuss case building in terms of planning a presentation. These presentations can be in the forms of essays, memorandum, papers, blogs, and more. The authors state that when people want to make arguments, they need to elaborate on their claims and supports in order to be more persuasive. Also, the case must use well-developed arguments and put them together in an appropriate manner for the audience of decision makers. The topic that I found to be most interesting in this chapter was the concept of developing a convincing vision in order to engage and shape the audience on behalf of the cause. So, first, it is important to learn the decision makers’ vision. Through learning their vision one can help make the decision maker abandon their world view through stories, or make them recognize that their vision has lost its relevance so that they are more likely to accept a new vision. Second, by telling the story of the vision, decision makers are able to visualize and intensify their feelings towards the propositions. Then, third, considering an example is important in order to show how they case could succeed. I found the concept of developing a convincing vision to be interesting because I am always attempting new ways of persuasion in order to convince my parents or my friends into doing something. So, by using these three steps I can better form a case and persuade those around me. However, I believe that this will not always work, especially with my parents, because there are people who are set in their ways and beliefs that will not be persuaded by just one presentation of a case.
Chapter five focuses primarily on identifying and developing propositions for problems that people think are relevant. It goes over 6 steps for choosing a valid proposition based on a perceived “feeling of doubt.” While all six steps may not be necessary, the collectively ensure a well thought out and firm proposition. The six steps include identifying the question, surveying implicated objectives (or understanding what is the goal accomplishment in regard to the question), searching for new information, considering alternative options, considering costs and risks of each potential proposition, and then finally choosing one of the propositions. The authors then go on to talk about analyzing and strengthening the proposition chosen. This includes identification and ranking of the issues that the proposition addresses as well as understanding how the decision makers will react to these issues and propositions. In general, with all these methods of critically analyzing the proposition, ...
I also think that developing a convincing vision is a really interesting concept. I think this is often used in political campaigns, especially when making campaign promises. By making these promises, candidates are shaping a vision in the minds of their followers of what the country (or state, or county, etc) will look like if they are elected. Oftentimes, this is an effective strategy, but many times, candidates fall short on their campaign promises. I also think this strategy is used in campaign attack ads. Candidates create a negative vision of what the country/state/county will look like if their opponent is elected. I think these are two common examples where creating a vision to persuade people is used. I also thought you made a good point about convincing people (on this case, your parents) who are more set in their ways. If people are to be persuaded, they have to be somewhat openminded and willing to hear other sides of an argument.
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