Last Week Discussion #1

I have learned that an argument is not as simple as I once thought it was. I never took into consideration how much effort and thought should be put into an argument. For instance, one must look for validity, strength, and whether or not the argument violates fallacies and appeal to emotion. Fallacies and appeal to emotion can weaken one’s argument and ultimately make the writer or speaker seem less credible because of the manipulation he or she may use for the audience to side with his or her argument. After taking this class, I have been able to strengthen my writing because my arguments have been more specific and more difficult to critique. I now understand that in order to get my point across, every word needs to count. Last, but not least, I have learned the importance of teamwork. Completing three different assignments with people I have never met was nerve wrecking. However, by reading the book on group communication, I have learned how to function effectively in a group such as setting group norms and making each member feel like they have an important role in the group process.