A connection established between two otherwise dissimilar ideas or things.
analogy
Assuming that an argument has been proved without actually presenting the evidence.
begging the question
A trite or overused expression
cliche
The clash of opposing ideas, evaluations and policy proposals on a subject of concern.
debate
A language technique that combines opposing elements in the same sentence or adjoining sentences.
anithesis
A method of generating ideas by free association of words and thoughts.
brainstorming
A misuse of evidence in persuasive speaking in which personal opinions are offered as though they were objective facts, or facts are dismissed as though they were mere opinion.
confusion of fact and opinion
A form of thinking that begins with a generally accepted truth, connects an issue with that truth, and draws a conclusion based on the connection.
deductive reasoning
Arrangements of proofs designed to answer key questions that arise in persuasive designs.
arguments
The obligation facing a persuasive speaker to prove that a change from current policy is necessary.
burden of proof
A group decision that is acceptable to all members of the group.
consensus
Political speakers who try to inflame feelings without regard to the accuracy or adequacy of their claims in order to promote their own agendas.
demagogues
The physical production of particular speech sounds.
articulation
Speaking that celebrates special occasions. Their deeper function is to share identities and reinforce values that unite people into communities.
ceremonial speaking
The audience's perception of whether a speaker is qualified to speak on a given topic.
credibility
the credibility of a speaker produced by everything she or he says and does during the speech.
derived credibility
A fallacy which assumes that because something is popular, it is therefore good, correct, or desirable.
bandwagon
Conclusions that go beyond factual statements to make judgments about their subjects.
claims
An evaluation of a speech
critique
A fallacy that forces listeners to choose between two alternatives when more than two alternatives exist.
either or