1.

04
Analyze a Speaker's Argument
1.06
Evaluate a Speaker
 Charged language
words intended to provoke an emotional
response, frequently used in argument and
persuasive writing

Damian’s brother said, “I want to watch my favorite

Video show. Those sports highlights are a waste of time.
You’d be much better off watching something
educational. Don’t you agree, Dad?”

Waste of time is an example of charged

language. Damian’s brother is attempting to
persuade their dad that watching sports
highlights is not worthwhile.
Evaluate Speaker’s Viewpoint
 When you listen to a speech, you need to identify and evaluate the
speaker’s viewpoint.
 Look for charged language or phrases that indicate the speaker’s opinion
or position.
 Pay attention to phrases like “I believe,” “I feel,” “I think,” or “I know.” If
the speaker calls for a specific action or makes an argument, those also
give insight into the speaker’s viewpoint.
Speaker's Reasons and Evidence
The vacant area between the river and downtown should remain green and
be developed into a park. First, we already have good shops and
restaurants downtown—there are three Italian restaurants, for example, on
one block. But we don’t have one place in this entire city where we can
picnic, throw a ball around, or play with a dog. Second, a park would add
balance to the downtown area—more trees and grass, less concrete and
brick. A recent report in City Planner Magazine reported that “a ratio of
green space to constructed space is directly linked to citizen
satisfaction.” Finally, the land includes the riverbank, a pretty area where
people go to fish, feed the ducks, and use small boats. Nature is way more
beautiful than something built by humans.

 Valid Reason
 Relevant supporting evidence
 Weak reasoning
Being a Critical Listener

Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you listen:
 What do I know about the speaker and the topic ahead of
time?
 What is the main message or argument?
 What is the speaker’s purpose?
 How is the message organized?
 What evidence is the speaker using to support the message?
 How well is the speaker supporting the message?
 Is there anything the speaker is conveying through voice
quality or body language?
Taking Notes from an Oral Presentation

How to take good notes:

 Record information quickly and briefly, using bullets and
numbered lists when possible.
 Use your own words.
 Stay organized by giving yourself plenty of space on the
page.
Focus on recording the following information:
 Central claim
 Important reasons, details, and supporting
evidence
 Key words and phrases
 Speaker’s viewpoint
Evaluating a Speaker’s Reasoning
A valid argument requires logical, relevant, and accurate reasons and
evidence for support. Listen carefully to the speech once more. This time,
focus on the speaker’s reasoning; ask yourself these questions as you
listen:

 What reasons and evidence does the speaker use to support the
message?
 Is the reasoning logical, valid, and relevant?
 Is the reasoning free from bias and exaggeration?
Recognizing Fallacious Reasoning

Nearly everyone in the high school agrees with this idea and so
should the town council. Like so many high school teams, our
football team is made up of outstanding young men who are all role
models in our community. Let’s show them how much we
appreciate their hard work by investing in a new stadium for our
local high school.

Bandwagon
Hasty generalization
Bandwagon
The speaker reasons that because everyone
in the high school agrees with his idea, the
town council should as well. This does not
strengthen his position, since he cannot
prove that everyone in high school wants a
new stadium and he does not explain why
the town council should agree with high
school students.
Hasty generalization
The speaker asserts that most high school
teams are made up of “outstanding”
athletes who are all “role models.” While
this may apply to some, he cannot prove
that it applies to every player. He also
fails to connect this idea to the need for a
new stadium.
1.06 - Evaluate a Speaker

Model Essay
Practice – Video

Emotional appeal
an argument that tries to persuade by affecting people’s feelings

Logical appeal
an argument that tries to persuade by demonstrating a logical or factual
truth
Logical Fallacies

1. False either-or argument

2. The False Cause-Effect Statement
3. Snob Appeal
4. Plain Folks Appeal
5. Name-Calling (ad hominem)

6. Overgeneralizations
7. Circular Reasoning
8. Loaded Language
9. Bandwagon Appeal
1.06 – Assignment - Evaluate a Speaker

View or listen to a speech by a well-known actor, and then evaluate it in

writing.
As you experience the speech, identify the speaker’s viewpoint and notice
the reasons and evidence they supply to support it. Listen for evidence
and logic that is either valid or fallacious. Be attentive for language that is
either appropriately emotional or unfairly loaded. Take notes as the
speech progresses. Then, read and answer the questions.
1. What is the speaker’s viewpoint? What is their claim?
2. What reasons does the speaker provide to support their viewpoint or
claim?
3. What evidence does the speaker provide to support his reasons?
4. What counterclaims does the speaker address, and how do they
respond to them?
5. What examples of fallacious reasoning, distorted or weak evidence, and
exaggerated language occur in the speech?
6. Write a 1–2 paragraph evaluation of the speaker’s argument. Discuss
whether the speaker used valid reasoning and sufficient evidence to
support his viewpoint.