How NOT To Talk
How NOT to Talk is a great little article describing some of the most common forms of ‘conversational cheap shots’ that many people use when debating. I shamefully admit to having used some of these tactics in the past, but I make a conscious effort not to, something many people cannot say for themselves. Most of these have formal logic analogs, but the ones he focuses on are the ones most commonly used in day to day speech, along with very realistic examples. I swear I’ve heard most of these examples come out of my ex-boss’s mouth at one point or another…
The intent of detailing and naming these insidious tactics is so that the reader may AVOID USING THEM, to quickly recognize if someone else is using them, and for fun. There is much humor in the way people (consciously or unconsciously) conversationally cheat.
It is hoped that exposing these tactics will help muzzle the growing abuse in our conversational landscape. Give copies to both perpetrators and victims (only NOT for profit use).
So take a good read, and be a little better prepared when someone tries to trip you up in conversation.
Wednesday 29 Jan 2003 | Sam | Lovely Links
Wow, this very document has been sitting around on the coffee table at our house.
the YOU’LL GET OVER IT:
“I used to think that way when I was your age.”
“As you mature emotionally (or mentally, or spiritually), you will grow out of your present way of thinking, and you will eventually come around to my point of view.”
comes out of my fathers mouth everytime i have him corned on something.
Heres a sorta-psuedo-similar interesting thing I came across on a blog called rebeccas pocket (http://www.rebeccablood.net). This is a project devoted to developing critical thought.
http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/main.html