To make a claim persuasive, ground it in evidence: the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that…, the data clearly demonstrates…, it stands to reason that…
Letting the evidence do the arguing
Not ""Everyone knows that this is the best option." (a sweeping generalization with nothing behind it)" — say ""The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that this is the most effective option." (grounded in reasoning)". The evidence suggests points to proof; everyone knows only asserts.
Try it: Amina: I want to open the proposal by saying the cheaper supplier is clearly the smart pick. Liam: Careful, that just sounds like an opinion. ___ their defect rate is lower across three audits. Which reply grounds the claim in reasoning rather than assertion? (The data clearly demonstrates / Everyone knows that / You'd be wrong to think) Answer: The data clearly demonstrates — Grounding a claim in reasoning means pointing to evidence, as the data clearly demonstrates does.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that
/ði ˈɛvədəns ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmɪŋli səˈdʒɛsts ðæt/
The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that early intervention improves outcomes.
the data clearly demonstrates
/ðə ˈdeɪtə ˈklɪrli ˈdɛmənˌstreɪts/
The data clearly demonstrates a link between sleep and concentration.
it stands to reason that
/ɪt stændz tə ˈrizən ðæt/
It stands to reason that investing in training raises productivity.
Conceding a point, then countering it
Persuade fairly: concede the other side's point first, then counter with but, however or nevertheless.
Not ""You are wrong if you think otherwise." (dismisses the person, not the argument)" — say ""While alternative perspectives exist, the data supports this conclusion." (concedes, then counters)". While some may argue that… grants the other view and makes your counter land harder.
Try it: Sofia: The committee is worried the new schedule will disrupt families. Diego: ___ those concerns are real, but the attendance data shows fewer conflicts overall. Which reply concedes the worry before countering it? (I acknowledge that / I doubt that / Nobody believes that) Answer: I acknowledge that — I acknowledge that grants the worry first, then but turns to the evidence.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
while some may argue that
While some may argue that the trial is short, its results are consistent.
it is true that
It is true that apps have bugs; however, users keep coming back.
i acknowledge that
I acknowledge that the route is longer, but the path is far safer.
Pressing for action
To press harder: it is imperative that (urgency), I urge you to (appeal), it would be unwise to (warning), one cannot deny that (undeniable fact).
Not ""I urge you check the figures again." (no to before the verb)" — say ""I urge you to check the figures again."". Urge takes a person, then to + the base verb.
Try it: Ira: The inspection found cracks in two of the bridge supports. Wei: Then ___ the city close it until the repairs are done. Choose the words for the blank. (it is imperative that / it is imperative to / it would be unwise that) Answer: it is imperative that — It is imperative that is followed by a clause with the base verb, so "to" does not fit here.
Try it: Lani: The board still doubts that remote work helps us keep staff. Mei: Then lead with the exit surveys: ___ it does. Choose the words for the blank. (the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that / I acknowledge that / I urge you to) Answer: the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that — The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that points to proof, which is what leading with the surveys needs.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
it is imperative that
/ɪt ɪz ɪmˈpɛrətɪv ðæt/
It is imperative that every visitor sign in at the front desk.
I urge you to
/aɪ ɜrdʒ ju tu/
I urge you to visit the site yourself before you vote.
it would be unwise to
/ɪt wʊd bi ʌnˈwaɪz tu/
It would be unwise to sign the lease without reading it first.
one cannot deny that
/wʌn ˈkænɑt dɪˈnaɪ ðæt/
One cannot deny that rents have doubled in ten years.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
"Everyone knows that this is the best option." (a sweeping generalization with nothing behind it)
"The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that this is the most effective option." (grounded in reasoning)
The evidence suggests points to proof; everyone knows only asserts.
"You are wrong if you think otherwise." (dismisses the person, not the argument)
"While alternative perspectives exist, the data supports this conclusion." (concedes, then counters)
While some may argue that… grants the other view and makes your counter land harder.
"I urge you check the figures again." (no to before the verb)