argument clinic

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Argument ClinicGordon Dymowski2005 Youth Prevention ConferenceAugust 5, 2005

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Goals for Today

Sharpen advocacy skills by developing strategic thinking

Learn tactics to handle confrontational/difficult situations

Create stronger advocates Most Important: Learn How to

Argue

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In Your Packets

Power Point Presentation Transcript of Argument Clinic

sketch Handouts from Community

Toolbox (http://ctb.ku.edu) Tobacco & Alcohol Fact Sheets Small Group Scenarios Evaluation

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When we’re advocating, how does opposition react? Tell us how wrong we are Confront us with our “error” Counter argue our point Act in a rather antisocial way Dismiss our arguments Use one of “Ten D’s of the

Opposition” (see handout)

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Why Is It Important to Advocate/argue Effectively? Leads to success Validates our arguments Recruits people to your

cause (You get more flies with honey than vinegar)

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How do arguments in advocacy fail? Confuse feelings with facts Perceive argument as “attack”

rather than as discussion “Beating a dead horse”

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How do you advocate effectively and make a great argument? Know what you’re talking

about/do your homework Argue facts, not feelings (and

facts don’t always refer to data)

Channel your passion and enthusiasm into your activities

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Our Job As Advocates

Develop the strongest and simplest argument for our cause that respects the intelligence of our opposition

Watching the following video will show an “ideal” argument

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When developing your advocacy “argument”, please remember Stay Positive Keep Calm Avoid “Know It All” Syndrome Never Take Opposition

Personally Be Passionate and Enthusiastic Move On If You Need To

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Exercise # 1

Find person with similar color & letter of scenario

Each are a different side of the argument – role play an actual argument

Feel free to use “cheat sheets” Ten minutes

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Recruiting is both active and passive Seeking out people who wish

to join Cannot anticipate all potential

allies Putting best self forward

creates a “safe” environment for people to join

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Thinking Strategically

Brainstorm on who could be potential allies

Contacting & stating case to allies

Network with allies for more advocacy partners

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Exercise Two

Get into small groups Scenarios - choose one Use “Strategy Chart”

worksheet - focus on resources/allies/opponents

Ten Minutes

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In Conclusion….

Important for prevention advocates to make convincing arguments

Argue smarter, not harder

Keep in mind - the means justify the ends

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Thanks for coming!

Please fill out & turn in your evaluation

Questions - do not hesitate to contact me

Enjoy the rest of the conference!

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For more information

Gordon Dymowski

(314) 363-6946

gordondym@eml.cc

metroshrink@earthlink.net