clearthinking.freeflux.net

Keys to clear-headed argument:

·      Specificity: provide a clear statement of what is being argued for;

·      Clarity: strive to eliminate ambiguous sentences and expressions from one’s argument – a great deal of ambiguity will be confusing for the consumer of the argument;

·      Accuracy: check and re-check the facts underlying key points in the argument;

·      Completeness: make strenuous efforts not to omit important information;

·      Consistency: If two (or more) elements in one’s argument conflict, i.e., you appear to be disagreeing with yourself, this will tend to undermine the argument presented;

·      Relevance: stick to the point, introducing extraneous considerations distracts from the conclusion being argued for and can be self-defeating;

·      Fairness: be scrupulous in presenting argument, acknowledging strong points in opposing views – cheap tricks in the end won’t win the day;

·      Inventiveness: avoid going over ground already argued by others in the discussion – that is, making the same argument – add your own new insights.