What Shakespeare and lawyers can teach us
“My father used to say, ‘Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.’” ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Quick Summary:
- A strong argument structure is thesis (your position), sound evidence, and a conclusion.
- When using comparisons and descriptions, your audience brings certain associations to those words.
- Transition words can help your audience follow your message.
To illustrate the points:
The following is an excerpt from the closing argument of To Kill a Mockingbird with Gregory Peck. Do you notice how he rises and falls with his voice? How he uses his voice and his argument to show the audience (in this case, the jury) what is right and what must be done?
Here’s the full opening speech of Richard III. Do you find this any easier to follow with the transition words?
Time to practice!
- Use your point of view: write out a brief thesis, supporting evidence, and conclusion for a topic in your field; see if you can also incorporate illustrative and transition words
- On camera: record this and post it!