
PROOF AND PERSUASION:
The Rhetoric of Scientific Integrity
FALL 2022
© 2022 by Cynthia Shearer
CYNTHIA SHEARER
419-H REED HALL
BOX 297700
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
PHONE EXT: 817.257.6593
ENGLISH 20803 - WRITING AS ARGUMENT
Section 50:MWF @ 1 p.m. in Bailey 102
Cynthia Shearer, Instructor
OFFICE HOURS: 2- 3 p.m. MW in Reed 419_H
WEB ADVOCACY
Study Guide
Terms to Define:
Advocacy
Web advocacy
Propaganda
Action Plan
Levels of Influence
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lawmakers,
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organizational “best practice” policies
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“grassroots” or individual choice
Some Questions to Consider:
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How can I prove the exigence of the issue?
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How can I educate the public on the issue?
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What is the local effect of the issue?
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What are the national implications of the issue?
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What is the global effect of the issue?
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What is the cost of doing nothing?
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What specific actions can I ask for?
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What are the impediments to what I am asking for?
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Who are the opponents to the change I seek?
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How can I identify and attract like-minded people to my cause?
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How can I keep up with evolving data or events that affect the cause?
The Necessity of Building a Network
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Bring together like-minded constituencies toward a common goal: your cause
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Build support and credibility among target groups or across demographics
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Raise the profile of the issue by exploiting inexpensive internet platforms
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Design events to rally your group or your viewer base
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Know your opponents! Study their claims, evidence, warrants, etc.
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Communicate with your network; establish a contact list.
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Set clear goals, make specific claims, and be realistic.
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Consider fundraising for your cause, or amplification of a larger funding effort
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Identify and establish relationships with policymakers, organizations, individuals who can help you.
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Be patient.
Tools for Influencing Policymakers
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Meetings
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Testimony in hearings or town halls
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E-mail campaigns to key officials
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Telephone calls
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Personal visits
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Position papers that are rich in neutral, non-politicized data
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Policy briefs that share current “best practice” info
Tools for Influencing Via Media
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Fact Sheets, FAQ’s available to reporters
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Information Packets/Press kits about your group or cause
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Targeted, dedicated Twitter research and data stream/networked with reporters
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Other social media networking
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Dedicated website
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Amplification of like-minded messages from thought leaders on your issue: re-tweets, links
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Youtube Channel/broadcasts
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STAY ON MESSAGE; BE CONSISTENT.


