Repudiation by Defamation
Don’t: Slander those who disagree with you
Unlike fiction, nonfiction depends heavily on reality and facts. But this does not make all nonfiction indisputably true. A large portion uses facts in defense of a debatable opinion. Fact-based persuasive writing serves an important role in the advance of both social and academic issues. Sometimes, however, writers defending a strongly held belief deviate from factual justification and resort to demeaning those who disagree.
Insulting someone else’s opinion does nothing to advance your own but instead reflects poorly on your ability to logically defend it, making your writing less credible. Eliminate emotionally charge words like “biased,” “ignorant,” “nonsensical,” or “heretical.” Just calmly state your evidence and let the reader decide to agree or disagree.
Do: Respectfully describe opposing views and the evidence for and against them
To effectively refute evidence in favor of an opposing viewpoint, you have to first admit that the evidence exists. By treating opposing views with respect, you show that you have carefully considered all possibilities before drawing a conclusion. This increases your credibility and the chance that someone holding that view will treat your opinion with respect and possibly even come over to your side. Remember that the goal of persuasive writing is to persuade, not attack.
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