Conveniently Kim

Have you ever been fed an argument that you knew instinctively was weak, but weren’t sure how to refute it? I know I’ve been there!  Luckily, there is a great method that can help… The Toulmin Method The Toulmin Method is a technique based on the work of philosopher Steven Toulmin that provides a systematic approach for analyzing the logic of arguments ( Communicating Online 315).  BONUS: As college students, this can also help us improve our argumentation skills! (Who doesn't want to argue better?) Anywho, a ccording to Toulmin, there are 6 different elements that compose an argument: claim, grounds, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal .  Understanding these elements is key to analyzing arguments.  These 6 elements can be divided into two triads: Triad 1: claim, grounds, warrant  Triad 2: backing, qualifier, rebuttal Elements in Triad 2 support those in Triad 1 (Jenkinson 7:44) .   Ready? Let's get into it... TRIAD 1: 1. Claim The claim is th...

Ever wonder how you can become a better communicator?  All it takes is one communication blunder (whether at work or in our personal relationships) to make us realize that honing our communication skills takes dedication and practice! I recently had this experience while trying to deliver a speech about Pinterest . I hadn’t had to do any public speaking for awhile, and I really struggled to communicate effectively.  So what can we do to improve our communication, both face-to-face and online?        I found the holy grail of communication podcasts, and I want to share what I learned from it with you!         Image Credit: Communispond The podcast is called Communicast: A Communication Skills Podcast. You can listen on their website here .  You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts here .   The podcast is hosted by Scott D'Amico, a seasoned sales professional, and every episode featu...

“The power of social media is it forces necessary change.” - Erik Qualman We all get annoyed at that crazy aunt or uncle who loves spreading misinformation on Facebook.  However, for all the grief social media causes us, we have to admit that it is a robust tool for social and political change. Social media provides a level of communication that we never had before. Today, social media provides us with platforms to raise our voices, show our support, raise awareness, and call out injustices in our society.   How is social media changing the way people document history? The ability to record injustices on mobile phones and upload them directly to social media has given visibility to injustices like police brutality and sexual assault. The video documentation and social media streaming of events makes it difficult to rewrite history, and forces us to look at the harsh realities we are faced with. News coverage often follows social media documentation, and the proof required to d...

In an attempt to assess the online communication of one of my favorite brands, Warby Parker , I want to share my findings with you. For the record, I don’t wear prescription glasses (I have 20/20 vision), but Warby Parker makes me wish I did. Why am I obsessed with a brand that sells something I don’t need? The answer lies in how they communicate online.  A little background  Warby Parker is an American company that sells mainly prescription glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses. It was originally founded as an online retailer. However, the majority of their sales now come through their 160 physical retail store locations in the U.S. and Canada. At the end of 2021, Warby Parker announced plans to add 40 additional retail locations in 2022.       What makes Warby Parker’s communication so effective? Warby Parker’s founding mission was “to inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style.” They have remained true to their mission and...