concept- ch15

In chapter 15 on Understanding Arguments, I found the sections on claims very interesting and helpful. The book discusses that there are two types of claims: premise and conclusion. Premises are reasons that support the conclusion and the conclusion is the main position on the issue that the speaker stands for. It reminded me of an essay, you have your body paragraphs where you state reasons to support your thesis and in this case the thesis is the conclusion. I found that words the book suggests to be use very helpful as well because it signals the premises. For example, because, on account of, and due to. For the conclusion, the book suggests using words like, thus, therefore, and accordingly. The section on phrasing claims was also useful. The book talks about other words that can help the audience be less defensive like, probably, likely, usually, and often. These words are called qualifiers because they make it more reasonable to the audience. I often have a hard time wording my sentences so that they all link together. I think using most of these words will help better my speeches.