Backing up your opinion in a discussion

A good justification helps get your view heard without the discussion turning into a quarrel. In this guide, you practise the claim–reason–example structure and how to deal with counter-arguments.

You will need

• A topic you want to take a stand on
• Facts and reliable sources
• Notes or a notes app
• A practice partner

Steps

1. Formulate your claim

   Write your position in one sentence, for example “We should switch to a four-day week for the duration of a trial.” A vague opinion is hard to defend.

2. Find 2–3 reasons

3. Add an example

4. Anticipate counter-arguments

5. Listen first

6. Address the issue, not the person

7. Sum up at the end

8. Accept disagreement

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