I enjoy your posts both here and on X. As a fellow writer on Substack, I am always looking at ways to improve my posts and your advise on this topic is excellent- I am going to use these techniques in my future posts. I have a quick question- your principle #5- seek opposing views- What's the best way to seek opposing views? In today's environment, you can always find someone who disagrees with your opinion- but how do you choose/find someone reliable/credible that is worth using in your writing.
Thank you so much Paul. That's a great question. When I look for opposing views, I try to find people whose character, approach, and expertise I respect. So, not staunch ideologues, generally. People who are well educated on the issue, who make coherent and logical arguments, and perhaps have a good track record of getting things right. I'm not always so systemic, as I don't have go-tos on every topic...so often I'll just find articles or posts with opposing views, and keep reading if they meet the criteria above. If their arguments are just emotional and lacking in evidence, I move on to another source. I also have particular people who I respect because of the quality of their arguments and might look to see what they say. Hope this helps a bit.
You are a superb writer, and this is excellent advice. As I've said before, your prose sizzles. I taught a first-year course in critical thinking and composition for nearly a decade. Some students seemed to have difficulty absorbing and applying the advice I gave them (which was similar to yours). Then I came across this essay: https://wrd.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/1-Shitty%20First%20Drafts.pdf It had a profound effect on my teaching, and their learning. Sometimes, I don't know what I think until I've seen what I've written...
I often learn what I think in the process of writing. I usually write to explore an idea but I arrive at a conclusion in the process, not at the start.
Seeking out opposing views is huge. It used to be called critical thinking.
I love her. And follow her.
I enjoy your posts both here and on X. As a fellow writer on Substack, I am always looking at ways to improve my posts and your advise on this topic is excellent- I am going to use these techniques in my future posts. I have a quick question- your principle #5- seek opposing views- What's the best way to seek opposing views? In today's environment, you can always find someone who disagrees with your opinion- but how do you choose/find someone reliable/credible that is worth using in your writing.
Thank you so much Paul. That's a great question. When I look for opposing views, I try to find people whose character, approach, and expertise I respect. So, not staunch ideologues, generally. People who are well educated on the issue, who make coherent and logical arguments, and perhaps have a good track record of getting things right. I'm not always so systemic, as I don't have go-tos on every topic...so often I'll just find articles or posts with opposing views, and keep reading if they meet the criteria above. If their arguments are just emotional and lacking in evidence, I move on to another source. I also have particular people who I respect because of the quality of their arguments and might look to see what they say. Hope this helps a bit.
You are a superb writer, and this is excellent advice. As I've said before, your prose sizzles. I taught a first-year course in critical thinking and composition for nearly a decade. Some students seemed to have difficulty absorbing and applying the advice I gave them (which was similar to yours). Then I came across this essay: https://wrd.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/1-Shitty%20First%20Drafts.pdf It had a profound effect on my teaching, and their learning. Sometimes, I don't know what I think until I've seen what I've written...
Thank you! I'll check out the essay.
I often learn what I think in the process of writing. I usually write to explore an idea but I arrive at a conclusion in the process, not at the start.
I think you will enjoy the essay ;D
Good advice.
Very helpful!
You may not have run across the "PRES formula: Point, Reason, Example, Summary" which I've found quite useful:
https://magicalbali.wordpress.com/2016/02/28/tips-on-organizing-your-speech-the-p-r-e-s-formula/