Rogerian Argument

Rogerian Argument Don’t hate on your audience.

You don’t pick fights with your audience! The Rogerian model acknowledges the audience’s point of view or opinions before presenting the author’s different or opposing viewpoint . A Rogerian argument supports the central argument with tact & without outright attacking the audience’s preconceived notions, unlike the Toulmin • But seriously, the CONCEPTS are more important than the LABELS. Don’t get overwhelmed. • THIS IS NOT THE ONE AND ONLY RIGHT WAY TO WRITE PERSUASIVELY!!!!!!!!! There are many right ways to write! • Sometimes it works well and is appropriate, sometimes it’s not. As a writer, you have to make the call.

Rogerian Argument • Seeks to establish trust and find COMMON GROUND. • Assume that audience &/or opposition is made up of REASONABLE people. This is, unfortunately, not always true. Therefore, Rogerian argument is not always the best approach. • Seeks to UNDERSTAND the point of view of those with whom they disagree • To start a DIALOGUE or DISCOURSE • BOTH/AND instead of EITHER/OR • WIN/WIN instead of WIN/LOSE

How to use Rogerian Argument While I am NOT a fan of rigidly structured essays, here is an example of what a Rogerian argument might look like: • Intro • Summary of Opposing Views* • Statement of Understanding* • Statement of Your position • Statement of Contexts • Statement of Benefits • Important parts/pose a solution – here is where you “concede” something to the opposing side and acknowledge that others who think differently from you are also intelligent, reasonable people.

Things that happen in a Rogerian Argument • Speaker/writer shows (sympathetic) understanding to the opposition. • Speaker/writer demonstrates that those who disagree with them are still reasonable, intelligent people of good will (not fools and idiots). • Speaker/writer is non-confrontational, even friendly (not “my way or the highway”).

Phases of Rogerian • Phase One: Present the issue and suggest why it’s important; explain or summarize the opponent’s/other perspectives on this particular issue in NEUTRAL language • Phase Two: Acknowledge any valid aspects of your opponent’s argument as well as drawbacks in NON-CONFRONTATIONAL language • Suggest common ground that you share

Phases of Rogerian • Phase Three: Present a solution; show how both parties will have to concede as well as how both parties will benefit; emphasize the common ground where both could agree • Writer creates cooperation, the possibility that both sides might change, and a mutually advantageous outcome.

Rogerian Goals • . You should let the readers know they have been understood • a. The other side of the argument has been researched • 2. You should show the readers that their ideas/values are valid in certain contexts. • a. What the reader believes is correct

Rogerian Goals • You show the readers that that you share the same values, perceptions and attitudes. • a. Find common ground between you and your readers. • 4. You should propose solutions made up of elements from both sides that both parties accept. • a. Present a solution both sides can agree on.

Outline • . Introduction • a. Present both sides of the argument • b. Do not claim any sides • c. Be neutral • II. Presentation of Sides • a. Present one side of the argument fully • b. Omit emotionally charged words. • c. Present the opposition fairly and just as fully – be certain both sides are of equal length

Outline • Common Ground • a. What do both sides have in common? Think values, outcome, etc. • IV. Solution • a. Come up with a solution to fix the problem between the two sides. • b. Be the mediator – both sides gain but both sides sacrifice as well

Tips • Remember, the goal is to achieve a mutually satisfactory solution through communication — not to overpower your opponent with wit, sarcasm, insults or threats. • Know your audience. The more you know about your audience, the more you can tailor your essay to draw participants' attention. Having information about your audience will also provide you with a better understanding of the problem and how it is affecting their lives.

Tips • Avoid negative language. Focus on the positive aspects of your opponent’s stance. For example, if your opponent is against the teaching of evolution in schools, acknowledge and honor their commitment to the education of their children. • Avoid controversial side topics. If you know that discussion of other related beliefs and practices would elicit a negative reaction from your audience, then don’t go there. Steer away from additional controversial topics and focus on the matter at hand. • Maintain a neutral tone when stating your viewpoint.The final stage of the argument is for persuading. When stating your point, state it simply without misleading terms or flowery speech. For example, change “I have an easy-to-use niche product that will revolutionize your household chores, saving you hours" to "My product will simplify cleaning chores, such as vacuuming and dishes."

To Review… • State the problem or issue. • Give the opposing position. Grant some validity to parts of it. Recognize circumstances where it could be acceptable. • State YOUR position, support it, and tell why the opposition will be IMPROVED by embracing your views. Why will the world be a better place for this?

Rogerian Model Application • Go to the class page under “College Level Writing”; scroll down to “Rogerian Model”. Then, read the student sample essays. Create a chart in your notes with the following. • Identify the following in EACH essay sample • Establishing common ground • Statement of Contexts – multiple perspectives are presented • Discussion of benefits and drawbacks of each side • Proposes a solution where each side gains and concedes

Rogerian Draft Assignment • Topic: The number of AP courses a student can take yearly should be mandated as the rigor and the workload of the courses affect students’ well-being. • Present both sides of the argument in non-confrontational language and then propose a solution. • Submit your draft to Turnitin by 6am.

Rogerian Argument