argument clinic
DESCRIPTION
A presentation from 2005 about how to make a convincing argument, especially in the realm of substance abuse preventionTRANSCRIPT
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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!