TIPS FOR ORGANIZING AND SUPPORTING A STRONG
PERSUASIVE ARGUMENT
You have chosen your position on your topic, you have analyzed your audience, you have
researched your topic, you have perfected your thesis statement, now you need to . . .
STRUCTURE YOUR SPEECH:
Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to
consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic. The most effective manner of organization is usually from
least to most important.
The following criteria are essential to produce an effective argument:
1. Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it,
using legitimate sources. Take notes.
2. Test your thesis. Your thesis, or your, argument, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can
write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.
3. Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then
counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the
opposing argument.
4. Support your position with evidence. The more types of convincing evidence you offer, the stronger
your argument will be. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason. The following are different ways to
support your argument:
a. Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or
personal experience. Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea believed by
many people, but it cannot be proven.
b. Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible
sources. Always cite your sources.
c. Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable.
d. Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are the
proof.
e. Observations – What do you or others know from your observations.
f. Comparison – Compare your argument to that of another
g. Analysis – Analyze the situation, and provide logical and supported reactions.
h. Expert Testimony - Go to those who know best for information to support your arguments.
i. Predictions – What do you think will happen in regards to your topic? Be sure to support your
prediction with evidence.
j. Experience – Either personal experiences or those of another add credibility to your arguments.
Most of this information came from Del Mar College’s Writing Center web page:
http://www.delmar.edu/eng/wrtctr/handouts/persuasive.htm
Other sites that may be helpful:
http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/awolaver/term1.htm
http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr4.htm
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_argpers.html