Effective Communication: Argumentation, Exposition, and Opinion
Communicative Aspects of Argumentation
Argumentation can be bilateral or unilateral. The issuer may be an individual, a function of their office, or a group. The recipient can be an individual or a collective. The intention of an argument is to persuade or influence the recipient’s behavior, thus the predominant function of language is appellative, accompanied by the referential and often the emotional.
Structure of Argumentation
Speech is divided into: Introduction (presents the topic, may include references to the receiver and transmitter), Argumentation (usually consists of: 1) exposition of facts, 2) opposing ideas, 3) comments on opposing ideas, 4) arguments in favor of our opinion), and Conclusion (summary and return to the initial idea for confirmation).
Features of Argumentative Language
At the grammatical level, reasoning is often manifested in extensive and well-structured sentences. Textually, argumentative texts must present strong consistency in all parts and align with established knowledge. Lexically, there is a tendency towards specialization and technical terms.
Types of Arguments
Arguments are based on topics or common places. We distinguish two kinds of arguments: rational (persuading the receiver) and affective (convincing the receiver through emotions).
Exposition
Exposition presents explanations or develops ideas.
Types of Exposition
Depending on the issuer’s position, exposition can be subjective. Based on intention, it can be informative, enlightening, predicative, or imperative. According to the audience, it can be more informative or specialized. Based on the channel, it can be oral or written.
Structure of Exposition
The structure is not fixed but generally includes: 1) Start (subject and background), 2) Body (ideas or facts), 3) Conclusion (summary, data, or final value).
Forms of Ordering Exposition
- Linear mode: Temporal or spatial development.
- Hierarchical mode: From most to least important.
- Deductive mode: General idea to partial ideas.
- Inductive mode: Specific data to general observations.
- Logical mode: According to the subject matter.
- Schematic mode: Indexes, tables, etc.
- Conventional way: Dictionary.
Features of Expository Language
- Propriety: Using precise words and avoiding vague terms.
- Clarity and Simplicity: Direct and careful language.
- Order: Logical presentation of data and concepts.
Opinion Makers
Key opinion makers include:
Editorial
Expresses the position of the media or publishing firm. Written by the director or representative, it is prominently placed and usually unsigned. It aims to guide or influence reader opinion.
Article and Column
Signed spaces. Articles are longer and appear on the same page periodically. Columns are shorter, require more concentration of ideas, and often use irony or humor. Collaborations are contributions from non-staff individuals.
Letters to the Editor
The opinion section for readers, addressed to the public. Letters must be signed and brief.
Structure of Opinion Texts
The pattern is flexible, depending on the theme and writer’s style. Common elements include: Introduction (topic or facts), Body (expanded data and circumstances), Conclusion (summary and final idea).
Linguistic Features and Style
Subjectivity is shown through: first-person singular, opinion verbs (e.g., “I believe”), interrogative and exclamatory phrases, evaluative adjectives, connotative elements, and colloquialisms.
Objectivity is depicted through: standard present tense, indicative mood, impersonal constructions, passive voice, generalizing techniques, and seriousness.
The style of opinion texts is characterized by fluidity, conciseness, and simplicity.