The Secret Sauce of Persuasion: How Definitions and Analogies Win Arguments

Words are the tools of thought, but they can also be the source of confusion. Ambiguity and unclear meanings often derail discussions. Defining your terms clearly and early in an argument is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.

Why Definitions Matter
Many words have multiple meanings. For example, "freedom" can mean different things in political, personal, or philosophical contexts. Without specifying which meaning you intend, your audience may talk past you. Stipulative definitions—where you assign a specific meaning for the sake of clarity—are invaluable in argumentation.

Beware of Equivocation
Equivocation occurs when a word is used with different meanings in the same argument, leading to faulty conclusions. For example,