Play, the Game!

Playing with the definition of words is a very interesting. If someday you want to change the opponent’s argument, the use of definitions will help. By using the definition I don’t mean the exact definition of the dictionary, I mean the connotation. The one we know from common sense. This is a very fun game to play with the opponent. This tip is a thing I will use in my every day life. By saying the definition we can impress the audience giving them a good impression of what we are trying to say.

By using definitions we are playing with the comebacks of the opponent. If the comeback benefits our argument then it is useful, if not then, contradict what the opponent said by using some of his ideas. If the opponent is one that uses fancy words then adapt to these words and base your argument in these. This will leave the opponent struggling on what to respond. However, “make sure  [that] the definition you start with work in your favor” (112). This trick can also work against your argument so one has to be careful when using it.

Heinrichs tips are very interesting. He talks in page 119 about some techniques that we use unconsciously. Which are:

• ·      Term changing
• ·      Redefinition
• ·      Definition jujitsu: if you opponent’s terms actually favor you, use then to attack.
• ·      Definition judo: use terms that contrast with your opponent’s, creating a context that makes them look bad. 

This are things that we use while talking to our friends, parents or teachers. Some persuaders are very good in using these techniques. They use them in a way that nobody notices. With these four techniques we may leave our opponent with no comeback, therefore leaving you as the winner of the argument.

While reading this chapter I noticed that while arguing we see our opponent as our enemy. The way Heinrichs gives ways to leave the audience with no words is sometimes aggressive. But, if being aggressive means winning the argument then we are all aggressive.