Arguments are claims backed by reasons that are supported by evidence.

There are five

highly relevant characteristics of argument:
1. Argumentation is a social process. Having an argument involves two or more
individuals responding to one another's claim and support for such a claim. Argument is
not simply restating the same claims and reasons, rather it is supporting, modifying or
defending positions accordingly. As a process, arguments unfold based on the
contributions of the dialogue participants.
2. Argumentation aims to gain adherence from an audience. People argue to gain assent
for their positions. The world is filled with ambiguous situations that argument attempts
to render more certain.
3. Argumentation is a listener and audience-oriented activity—even if the audience is just
one person. Ultimately, one wishes to persuade to audience the act on the advanced
claim, whether it is to encourage action or gain support.
4. Argument is an art. As an art, argument has techniques and general principles,
therefore is a learned craft. Although there are suggested guidelines and argumentative
tools, there is no science of argument.
5. Argument involves contested issues. As a mode of influence, argument has persuasion
as a central goal. Argument does not occur where there is consensus.
6. Argument fills much of our lives. Whether we recognize so or not, argument
dominates our lives. We spend time arguing about what to eat, who to invite, when to
do things, and where to go.

1. Public speaking (also called oratory or oration) is the process or act of performing a
good speech to a live audience.
2. This type of speech is deliberately structured with three general purposes: to inform,
to persuade and to entertain.
3. Public speaking is seen traditionally as part of the art of persuasion.
4. Public speaking is commonly understood as formal, face-to-face speaking of a single
person to a group of listeners.
5. Public speaking can be governed by different rules and structures. For example,
speeches about concepts do not necessarily have to be structured in any special way.
However, there is a method behind giving it effectively.
6. Oratory, the rationale and practice of persuasive public speaking. It is immediate in its
audience relationships and reactions, but it may also have broad historical repercussions.
The orator may become the voice of political or social history.