Persuasion calls for a speaker to advocate one position among others that are possible and to be willing to defend it against challenges. When you introduce a discussion, you will need to know something about what some would call argument . Arguments are claims backed by reasons that are supported by evidence . Argumentation is then a social process of two more people making arguments, responding to one another not simply restating the claims and reasons and modifying or defending there positions accordingly. Claims are statements about what is true or good or about what should be done or believed.
Claims are potentially arguable.
The rest of the world can t really dispute whether I liked the book or not, but they can argue about the benefits of liberal arts. Reasons are statements of support for claims, making those claims something more than mere assertions. Passing those tests, however, does not insure that your arguments are sound and compelling. Evidence serves as support for the reasons you offer and helps compel the audience to accept your claims. Evidence comes in different sorts, and it tends to vary from one academic filed or subject of argument to another.