I think its safe to say that there are a lot more people just reading here compared to the people who will post.

Then humor me this. Say there is no audience, hypothetically, what do you do?

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"You are, of course, free to make your own calls on how much rationality you want to impose upon yourself." - Kronus

Does anyone who communicates on an internet message board like this seriously hope to persuade its readers about anything?

Posting here (and at similar forums) is really a kind of recreation. Sometimes, but not often, a battle of wits transpires and an informative discussion gets going. But usually the "art of rhetoric", when it appears, is low key and predictable.

People with a college education often end up unwilling to believe anything that anyone says.

James.

It depends on the argument and the person.

Usually if its religion I wont talk to the person at all.

Edit:

I have a question for you.

How frequently do you engage in debates outside of this forum?

Depends on the subject.

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"You are, of course, free to make your own calls on how much rationality you want to impose upon yourself." - Kronus

Just as I thought, you hardly ever do.

For every posting there are about ten 'views'. I know this as a fact from another Forum I participate in

See I am right!

I win!

agreed, you win.

congrats.

Here's the technique that I used and it seems to be working or so I believe:

1. Be prepare - know what you and also your opponents are going to argue about. Avoid being stump by their attacks.

2. Catch phases - (i.e. Executing a murderer is directly proportionate to robbing a robber or raping a rapist) only 1 thing to say, they stick to your mind and most importantly the judges.

3. Speak loud and clear in a proper manner. Show no sign of anger or panic. If you can accomplish this you may have achieved 2 things: a) Make your opposition angry b) Show your confidence and draw the judges attention to you.

4. Formality - this always help when you're trying to make a point. It gives your statements a stronger authority.

5. Factual evidence - these are always good. It's even better if you have the actual evidence or statistic to display to the panel of judges. Arguments are always more believable with some kind of back ups.

6. Dress up!! - Researchs showed that a person who dressed nicely created a better impression and cause the judges to think that he take the argument seriously.

Hope this help.

1) When the police arrive, stop hitting your debate opponent immediatly, take several deep breaths and remain calm.
Proceed to explain your situation to the XXXXXX in blue (or brown) why you were in the right and 'defending' yourself. Remember the only thing you need to convice them of is not to arrest you.

2) When yelling your position at your opponent who's in a car, let go of it before they slam on the accelerator and flee the scene of the debate. It's one thing to win your argument by chasing them off...it's another to be partially dragged down the road by the coward.

3) When using physical evidence to support your debate, use the method of escalation. Tossing plastic garbage cans and beverages is a good opener BEFORE reaching for the Louisville Slugger or hurling the solid brick of logic.

4) A good rebuttal is always "Oh yeah? Well **** you!" Unless debating a police officer in which you are allowed to say "Oh Yeah? Well **** you officer ****head, ya stupid son of a *****!" Because, it IS true...that they're stupid.

5) You always know more about any subject when you're liquored up. You know every thing about anything when you're also waving a gun about.

6) Always wear a suit. Makes you look respectable.

__________________
-God couldn't be everywhere, that's why we have America.
-Use the Force...because prayer doesn't work.
-If I mock you on a forum board...and you're too stupid to know...are you really being mocked?
-Joseph of Nazareth said: "Healthy White baby, 5 year wait? What else you got?" to which the adoption agency replied "A Norse kid born with his heart on the outside. Hey, Zeus come 'er!"
-"The only way to win is not to pray." - WOPR

This guide is quite good.... Thx