Prof.

Jack Urowitz
Current Events Fall 08

Breakdown and Reformation; Forming Opinion/Idea Into Argument/Pitch

There are six sections that you must complete to present and support your
opinion or commercial .

1. Opening (Exordium): -- Start by warming up your audience with one of the

following

• a vivid image, a moving description,

• a joke,
• a key fact,
• something of historical consequence,
• a quote.

2. Thesis (Narratio): -- Now you get to your statement of interest, which

includes the topic and your opinion on it.

3. Plan of Attack (Divisio): A quick overview of the points that you intend to
bring up. This shows how you will prove your opinion.

4. Point by Point Elaboration: (Confirmatio): This is the long section where

you spend a paragraph (at least) on each point introduced in your Plan of
Attack.

5. Arguments against your Thesis (Confutatio): If appropriate, (and in most

cases it is) present the strongest argument that could be brought against your
thesis -- and then show why it isn't enough to disprove the main thrust of your
opinion.

6. Closing (Peroratio): Step back from your thesis -- recall the image-joke-key
fact-historical relevance-quote, that started your talk. Or restate your thesis
with your most relevant speculation (forecast). This is where your charm
comes back to take centre stage away from your methodological declarations.