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Lecture 6 Session
Lecture 6 Session
1
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the role of argument in business communication.
Identify features/elements of a business argument.
Use language effectively to make a case in a business context.
Write a reflection.
2
What is an argument?
In everyday situations: an argument is an angry discussion between
people who hold contrasting views.
In business and academic contexts: stating one or more points of view, the
claim or claims, and supporting them with explanations, examples and
evidence.
The aim of an argument is to persuade other people to accept, or at least
seriously consider, your view and to ultimately influence their ideas,
decisions and behavior so we need it in building a case.
3
The aim of an argument in workplace
Employees and business partners need it in fulfilling their
specific roles and responsibilities; Such as in proposing a
product design or course of action, highlight problems or
suggest solutions, and support their suggestions by drawing on
their specific knowledge, expertise or insights from research.
4
The aim of an argument in academic context
Academic writers put forward and support their arguments in
order to compare them with those presented by their colleagues
to contribute new knowledge to their fields.
Students are also expected to demonstrate this skill because
they are expected to contribute to the academic community and
because the ability to build an argument is also crucial in the
workplace.
5
Components of an argument text
1. Explanation:
Explain why you are making a claim. This could be done using business
concepts, theories and frameworks such as Maslow’s theory of psychological
needs and external business environment.
2. Evidence:
Use evidence or data from research and other sources in the business world.
Evidence can include facts, figures and reports.
6
Components of an argument text
7
Practice identifying the components of an argument
Activity 11.3
Read the text below, which has sentences numbered 1, 2, etc. Type the numbers of the
sentences in the boxes below to show which are claims or support in the text.
Text 3:[1] Heather was satisfied before Renata took over as supervisor. [2] This can be
explained by using Maslow’s theory (1943) based on psychological needs. [3] She had
good working conditions with a regular income; she seemed to have had job security; a
good relationship with all levels of staff within the branch, socializing with them at
Christmas meals and a small party for Jenny’s retirement. [4] She had regular hours and
had been reasonably flexible in adapting her hours or doing overtime to help the other
staff as and when needed.