226: Constructing Arguments

“How to make the best case possible that unites rather than divides.”

The things I’m looking at when I’m constructing a thought line.
Principles
1. Immersion predates writing.
- I don’t need to know everything they think, I need to know what they value: I need to value what they value.
- Talk about with the name change.
- Note: I’m storing up all that information.

2. My case is only as strong as my weakest argument.
- If I’ve got 5 points and 4 are strong, I have a weak argument. If I have 4 points and 4 are strong, I have a strong argument.

3. I’m owning my weak points to defuse them.
- I have to be immersed because I need to know what the objection is. I own it and explain why I think it’s still worth it.
So important: I’m actually open! Not convincing, just explaining to people my process.

4. Never Approach From Head On
- Defense are up! Always approach from an angle!
- Politics: Not talking issues and policies; talking priority.
- Don’t ever use the thing to talk about the thing: People expect that and so they’re convinced.
- Why I use sermon titles.
- Always use the thing to talk about another thing.

5. Story is King
- Defenses drop in narratives. Not illustration: point. Long parable to immerse.