Building the Rogerian Paper

1. Building the Rogerian Paper

2. Review the four steps • The writer introduces the issue and shows the opponent’s position is understood by restating it. • The writer shows in which contexts and under what conditions the opponent’s position may be valid. The opponent is never made to feel completely wrong. • The writer then states his/her own position, including contexts in which it is valid. • The writer attempts to reach a mutually acceptable and beneficial resolution.

3. Start with the Basics • Position Statement A • Claim • Support • Position Statement B • Claim • Support YOU ARE THE REPORTER!

4. Why write neutral position statements? • Rogerian argument requires that the writer maintain a very neutral and rational tone. • The writer must be able to restate the opponent’s position and state how/why it might be valid. This requires writers to understand the opponent’s position as well as they understand their own. • Understanding is not the same thing as agreeing; however, if expression of disagreement slips into the statement of position, the writer will not be stating the opponent’s position effectively. • The best Rogerian argument builds ethos by placing both positions under the analytical microscope in the process of seeking resolution.

5. What do I do next? • Your opponent’s position will form the basis for the first part of your paper. • You will need to introduce the issue in some way (this is easy in our assignment, since the assignment takes the form of a letter). • Lead into the discussion and then express understanding of the opponent’s position with the position statement you have written, which should express your opponent’s opinion in a manner with which he or she would agree.

6. Build agreement and transition • Agree with parts of your opponent’s argument or agree with the argument under certain conditions. • Realize that this tactic implies disagreement with some parts and some conditions. • Transition into your own position statement. You should now be able to introduce the possibility of other options to your opponent now that you have given credence to the opposing point of view.

7. Your position statement • Give your position statement. • Although you have been asked to state your position in a neutral form, you may claim the position as your own in the paper at this point, OR you may present it as “some people’s” opinion. • State the conditions under which this position might be valid. Remember that this also implies your willingness to concede that the position may be problematic in certain other situations.

8. Negotiating Resolution • If you have not claimed the opposing position as your own, you can present yourself as the neutral party, who is helping to negotiate some compromise between these two positions. This is often the easiest and most effective way to write Rogerian argument.

9. What constitutes resolution? • Compromise (both positions abandon their statements and adopt a middle ground) • Blending of positions (convince the opponent to adopt the important parts of your argument into his/her position OR convince the opponent to adopt your position under the condition that you incorporate the important parts of his/her argument) • Argue that the positions are actually complementary instead of contradictory

10. Successful Rogerian Argument • It is easy to say that you have “convinced” your opponent in written argument, as long as you have: • followed the form • avoided logical fallacies • avoided biased language • accurately represented the opponent’s position • presented a reasonable resolution

11. But Remember: • Real opponents talk back • Real opponents provide rebuttal that can derail your carefully planned Rogerian strategy • Real opponents can be unwilling to compromise or reach resolution