Download Rogerian Argument - Cunningham's Communication

VS.
 Carl Rogers developed the concept of the Rogerian argument
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after discovering several important principles regarding
communication:
Threat hinders communication
Making strong statements of opinion stimulates an audience to
respond with a strong opinion. Once people express their
opinions, they are more likely to be interested in defending
them than discussing them.
Biased language increases threat; neutral language reduces it
A speaker or writer reduces threat and increases the chance of
communication with someone by demonstrating that one
understands the person’s pt of view
One improves communication by establishing an atmosphere
of trust.
 A negotiating strategy in which opposing views are
described as objectively as possible and common goals
are identified in an effort to establish common ground
and reach agreement
1)
Create an objectively phrased statement that defines the issue
2)
Create a complete and neutrally worded analysis of one side’s position. You
should demonstrate that you understand their position and their reasons
for holding it. You should carefully avoid any suggestions that this position
is more just, more moral, or more sensitive than the opposing position.
3)
Create a complete and neutrally worded analysis of the other side’s
position. You should demonstrate that you understand their position and
their reasons for holding it. You should carefully avoid any suggestions
that this position is more just, more moral, or more sensitive that the
opposing position.
4)
Create an analysis of what the two positions have in common and what
goals and values they share.
5)
A final presentation of your personal position.
 The most unusual aspect of the Rogerian essay is that
the thesis appears at the end of the essay. Given the
limitations of persuading an adamant opponent and
the difficulty of producing a “win-win” agreement, the
speaker’s true thesis may not even be fully articulated.
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II.
There are many ways in which readers can participate in
literature circles. Two of these options are face-to-face
book groups and online book groups.
Those readers who prefer face-to-face book groups
believe that sitting down over coffee, sharing ideas, and
seeing each other in person is preferable. They enjoy the
camaraderie and socialization of interacting with others.
A face-to-face book group allows readers to see the body
language of the group participants. They feel that there
are certain social cues they would miss if not present
with other participants and that these cues prevent
misunderstanding.
III. These readers who prefer online book discussions believe
that online discussions are preferable. Participants can
discuss a book in their pj’s from the comfort of their own
home. They can post a comment at any time of the day or
night. They are able to include anyone who wants to
contribute. They feel that they can still have a quality
discussion on a book-even if it is through posted
comments rather than spoken.
IV. Both face-to-face discussions and online postings help to
contribute to how the reader perceives and interprets the
book. It helps with understanding plot, characterization,
etc. The goal of both would be to aid the reader.
V. Although I can see the attraction of the convenience of
online book discussions, I feel that face-to-face
interactions are preferable. Something is lost in translation
when people post their insights online. The tone may be
misconstrued by the reader. Body language and facial
expressions are integral to good communication. However,
online postings do allow people who are separated by miles
or means to connect and communicate. The convenience
factor also allows people to participate even if they can not
make a certain commitment to be at a meeting at a certain
time. Both options have their role in keeping readers
connected and bringing ideas together. Both are vehicles
for promoting reading and sharing of ideas.
 With a partner or in a small group of three, create a
Rogerian argument pertaining to one of the dilemmas
for Thoreau
 You will write your argument out as I have with the
previous example.
 Put a group code name on your paper. Your argument
will be given a peer grade; I will grade it as well. Make
sure to follow the important elements of the Rogerian
Argument.