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Post Opportunity 5

The concept I most connected with in this chapter was the section outlining how to develop a convincing vision in an argument. This is something I often find myself doing when formulating an argument or in heated discussion with friends or colleagues. I feel as if I'm always trying to get them to understand my vision- see things from my perspective- by providing them with my explicit thought process in hopes of aligning their interests with my own. However, the text from this chapter outlines other methods to increase the influence shared visions can create.
The book brings up the point that when explaining to others the details of our vision in creating a viable solution to a problem, that we must also tailor this vision to what the other party wants to see in the future. The authors use a great comparison to college when they state on page 93, "To argue a case for a 3-year bachelor's degree, you must know decision makers' narrative of college, then build your story accordingly". I will demonstrate.
If you are a member of a fraternity with a friend from high school looking to join a fraternity on campus, it would be important to recognize the decision makers' personality and preferences before giving him any information that may persuade him to join. If the other student is socially engaged, looking for networking opportunities, is actively working on advancing his career, likes doing "typical" college social activities and the like, it would be advantageous to explain the aspects of greek life that include meeting new people and participating in fun activities that bring new experiences. Now, on the other, hand, if this was a student who views themselves as introverted, but still looking for the relationship building and social activism aspects of greek life, it would be advantageous to include details of philanthropy, community activities, and small group relationship building opportunities to attract his attention. It's all a matter of making the argument fit the decision makers' field of vision. You want to appease them and tailor your argument to what they want to see.

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 16, 2018 at 10:32 AM

    Lucas, this was a really good concept that I enjoyed reading. I like how you mentioned that we have to create a believable argument based on the vision we give to the decision makers. This is something important because it allows those who are making an argument to tailor it as you said, to fit the solution people want to happen. I like the examples that you used in your post as well. I think that it is true that even though people may have different personalities and experiences, the argument can still be tailored for that decision maker. I like how you said that we have to make the argument to what they want to see, this I believe allows the decision maker to go with what they already know. If the introvert was trying to be influenced to join a fraternity, then the person recruiting them has to make it appealing to an introvert. Although this might be hard, there is always a possibility if the needs of the decision maker is met.

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  2. Brooke GenzlerOctober 16, 2018 at 11:29 AM

    I agree with everything that you had to say. Expecially when you were talking bout being able to tailor the argument to your audience. That's something that I found important as well and mentioned in my post also. I am in a sorority and during recruitment when we're trying to get girls, we actually will learn about the girls ahead of time so we know how to appeal to them. For example, a girl who likes music and art we would match with a girl in our sorority who likes those things as well. Because she most likely wouldn't match well with someone like me whose super into sports and knows nothing about music and art. When you tailor an argument or claim or even a conversation around the person and what they like, not only is it most effective, but it also makes that person feel more comfortable. It makes that person want to be apart of something like our sorority because there's someone already in it that's like them (that's our goal). The other thing you mentioned besides personality is also learning about what they want. When you know what your audience wants, it's easier to appeal to those wants. As oppossed to going in blind and talking about things they maybe don't care about at all!! I really enjoyed your blog post!

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