Writing A Rogerian Argument

______________All writing requires careful audience analysis to be effective, but the nature of the

Rogerian strategy as negotiation between two sides makes such audience analysis even

more important. What do the readers likely already know about the topic? What are their

likely fears or objections? Why would they likely feel one side is right or wrong? What values

or goals are shared with the audience?

When preparing a Rogerian argument, it might help to write a paragraph, outline, or a

brief draft of an essay from the opposing side of the issue. Pretend, for a moment, that you

are your opponent. How would you write the essay in support of the other side? Then, review

what you’ve written from this opposing side. Where are there shared values or goals

expressed? What points do you agree with? Try using these points to show understanding

and appreciation of the other side while negotiating a common ground. (In fact, such

opposition papers are often written in government organizations for the same reason of

identifying mutual values and goals to later be used in policy papers or speeches that

support the other side.)

Remember, be respectful and compassionate with word choice throughout the essay.

Avoid absolutes like none, never, all, or always, leaving room for exceptions. Avoid words like

clearly or obviously if the idea might actually be debatable to those who disagree with you.

Be especially wary of rhetorical questions since they can sound sarcastic to others who do

not agree with your answer to the question. For example:

Weak:

How could we not use torture if a million lives were at stake?

Strong:

Could torture make a difference if a million lives were at stake?

The audience could answer the weak question with many possible options other than torture

that might be tried. The question sounds sarcastic to those who oppose the use of torture. In

contrast, the strong question is open-ended; both proponents and opponents of torture

might ask such a question. Seeking the answer together is the goal of the Rogerian strategy.

Conclusion

This completes lesson six. Hopefully, after reading this lesson, you have a better idea

of how to approach a Rogerian essay. When writing an essay using the Rogerian strategy,

ask yourself:

􀁸􀀃 Has the introduction fairly and objectively presented the problem?

􀁸􀀃 Are the opponents’ views accurately and considerately explained?

􀁸􀀃 Are the values shared with my opponents identified?

􀁸􀀃 Is my tone compassionate and respectful?

􀁸􀀃 Is the common ground provided truly a win-win for both sides?

The checklist above should help you write an effective Rogerian argument.

Questions to consider

1.􀀃 How is the Rogerian argumentative style different than the Toulmin method?

2.􀀃 Why is the Rogerian method effective for those issues that are highly emotional?

3.􀀃 How important is explaining the counterargument in the Rogerian method of

argumentation?

Chapter 7: Using The Rogerian Method Continued

Introduction

In lesson six, you learned about the Rogerian argumentative style of writing. Lesson

seven will review this style of writing again through the examination of two famous examples

of this argumentative style: President Obama’s DNC speech given in 2008 and President

Reagan’s RNC speech given in 1980.

Rogerian Argument Review

Remember that the Rogerian strategy of argumentation does not seek to win a

debate but instead seeks to prove a claim through an understanding of the other side and a

discussion of shared values. In other words, with the Rogerian style of argumentation, a

writer must first make a claim about an issue. Then, in order to prove this claim, that writer

needs to demonstrate a clear understanding of the other side of this issue and find the

common ground between both sides. This common ground is used to prove the writer’s

claim. This strategy encourages the audience to be more open to the argument being made

because the writer has demonstrated respect for other arguments about an issue.

Rogerian Sample Argument – President Obama’s DNC Acceptance Speech, 2008

Our first stop in this week’s lesson is to review a Rogerian sample argument,

President Obama’s DNC Acceptance Speech in 2008. Please click on the following link to

listen to the Acceptance Speech: The American Promise. You may also read the acceptance

speech given by President Obama below at the end of this lesson. This discussion will not

focus on the topics that Obama presents in his speech, but the way in which Obama

organizes his speech. When you listen to or read this speech, note that there is an

argument that President Obama makes – he wants to prove to the audience that he is the

best candidate. However, to do this, he needs to ensure that the other side, made up of

Republican voters, is not alienated by his discussion. Therefore, his acceptance speech

cannot be confrontational. Instead, he must attempt to prove his side by considering the

views of Republicans and Independents and showing the common ground.

Let’s take a look at the speech in further detail. First, the purpose of Obama’s

speech is not only to accept the democratic nomination for president, but also to convince

voters to vote for him. However, President Obama not only wants to convince Democrats to

vote for him, he also seeks Republican votes. Therefore, when he opens his speech, he

does not ‘attack’ the views of the Republicans. Instead, he opens with a dream that holds

true for all Americans: “It is that promise that has always set this country apart – that

through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come

together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their

dreams as well.” Then, instead of insulting the Republican candidate, John McCain, he

praises him: “Now let there be no doubt. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn

the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our

gratitude and respect.” In this way, Obama keeps the views of his audience in mind.

Remember from lesson six that the Rogerian strategy appeals to the audience by showing

the benefits of the opposing side. The audience would not be swayed to vote for Obama if

he insults their beliefs or their candidate.

In the body of the speech, Obama begins to give the meat to his side, the reasons in

support of his argument. He first lists some of the issues that American faced in 2008.

175 Effectiveness in Writing

Then, he explains how his policies differ from McCain’s. In this section, he carefully avoids

insulting McCain. Instead, Obama shows how McCain is mistaken. However, he does so in

a manner that unifies all Americans, no matter what their political affiliation is: “Tonight, I

say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this

great land – enough! This moment – this election – is our chance to keep, in the 21st century,

the American promise alive.” As illustrated in Obama’s speech, in a Rogerian essay, it is

important to keep the audience in mind throughout the argument, even when presenting

your particular argument.

Lesson six mentioned that at the end of a Rogerian essay, the common ground and

higher interest benefiting both sides should be emphasized. President Obama does this at

the closing of his speech:

[L]et us agree that patriotism has no party. I love this country, and so do you,

and so does John McCain. The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be

Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and

bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not

served a Red America or a Blue America – they have served the United States of

America. […]

We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the

number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may

be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in

Cleveland, but don’t tell me we can’t uphold the Second Amendment while keeping

AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex

marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters

deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of

discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don’t know anyone who benefits

when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American

wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America’s promise – the promise of

a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in

common effort.

In this section, Obama attempts to bridge the gap and establish the common ground

between Republicans and Democrats. He shows that all Americans want the best for the

United States, and he also attempts to show the common ground between a number of

ethical issues. This section of the speech illustrates what is meant by common ground.