Public Speaking

Use Logos or Rational Proofs (^223)
Testing Analogies
Reasoning by metaphor is not generally considered a “hard” proof. The best test is to
make sure your listeners can make a sensible connection between your concept and the
comparison so that they better understand your idea.
Test parallel case more directly by considering the following two questions:

1. Are the cases really alike? Or are you “comparing apples to oranges”? The University
   of Michigan is heralded a model for combatting sexual abuse on campus,^31 but would
   that model transfer to a workplace situation?


2. Are they alike in essential details? The University of Michigan is a large, public,
   diverse place with a Greek system. Is it similar enough that its model could be
   adapted to a small, private, religious institution in a rural area?

Reasoning Inductively

Inductive reasoning begins with specific instances or examples and then formulates a

reasonable generalization or conclusion from them. In other words, inductive reasoning

moves from the particular to the general; it is a characteristic of women and speakers

from a variety of ethnic groups. For example, African American leaders typically tie

knowledge to human experiences, human actions, and human interactions. Knowledge

does not exist for its own sake or in the abstract. What is relevant is considered relevant

because it makes a difference in people’s lives.^32 (Diversity in Practice: Reasoning and

the Sexes provides additional information on men’s and women’s use of inductive

reasoning.)

inductive reasoning starting

with specific instances or

examples, then formulating a

reasonable conclusion

Diversity

in praCtiCe

reasoning and the sexes

Although both men and women reason inductively, some feminist philosophers

argue that inductive reasoning is a major reasoning strategy for women. They say

that women typically begin with specific experiences of real people, such as the

wife of an injured veteran, the family trapped in minimum wage jobs, the student

who owes more than $100,000 in student loans, and then generalize from these

examples. This means that women’s reasoning is characteristically grounded in

personal experiences that arise out of their interpersonal relationships.^33

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