Message Sidedness

We can now look more in to persuasive method that most people are accustomed to nowadays. The method (when performed correctly) deals with message sidedness and presents itself in a way where you can beat your parents on the race to the counter argument, answering their questions in a manner where you still have control of the conversation. First off, to start this idea, w

e need to see how there are three ways that we can present information to people (listed in order of "most likely to work" to "fat chance":

1) Two-Sided Reutational (Present weakened forms of opposing viewpoints, then refute them with arguments supporting your own view).

2) One-Sided (Speaker presents information solely from their own side of the argument).

3) Two-Sided Non-Refutational (Opposing arguments are presented, but not argued against).

When we look at number three, it's easy to say "no way anybody would ever do that!". However, when it comes down to business, we even see the highest ranking politicians take part in this weak method. How many times have we seen politicians mention a counter argument, only to stray off topic with smears holding little to no resonance in the current conversation? So, it does happen and it's something that we most definitely want to stray away from.

Then we stumble across number two. While this may be the easiest manner to present an argument, it pales in comparison to number one. One reason for this is that, with a one-sided message presented, the other person will spend their time constructing a counter-argument while you are presenting your side of the issue. However, if you mention (and argue) opposing view points, you will be able to maintain control of the conversation and "dumb down" certain arguments that the opposing side would otherwise be preparing during your argument. Now, you have caught the other side's attention and they're wrapped around your finger. You have beaten them to the chase and (hopefully) they will become speechless and impressed with your ability to persuade!

* It is important to recognize whether or not the opposing side is even familiar with the topic or not. If not, the conversation will hit many dead ends. Yet, if you present both sides of the argument for the other person, you will come across the same phenomena that biased news stations find themselves in all too often; you will give the person the feeling that they understand the argument and that there is only one way to logically follow (your way).