I've delayed posting in this thread, as I process my thoughts. Here is what I have come up with:
Discussion is important to the FIRST community, which is why ChiefDelphi is a great resource for mentors and students. It is a medium for discussion, allows for everyone to develop their communication skills, and encourages networking among individuals. These are the facts.
:: Puts on English teacher glasses ::
Imma take you back to your sophomore year English class when you analyzed Shakespeare's
Julius Ceasar.
::Zach Morris timeout:: You never analyzed
Julius Ceasar!? You didn't pay attention in English class because you didn't think it was important or interesting?! THIS is why we need more NEMs in FIRST.
There are three tools (appeals) to use when you have a discussion:
1. Logos
2. Pathos
3. Ethos
Such Greek. So philosophy. Much debating.
Logos: the appeal using Logic.
(Attention! Stereotype ahead!) This is the way that most engineers argue: logically.
The facts are the facts! The data shows this, and so we should do this. You are wrong because you have nothing to back up your point of view. I am right because I can point to this, that and there. Logic is valuable when making an argument because it has information to back up its point. Logos is cited often on ChiefDelphi, and used more by veteran mentors because they have more data, experience and information at their fingertips. Personally, I feel that this is the most important form of appeal in discussions. What's the purpose of discussion if you can't back up your argument?
Pathos: the appeal to Emotion.
(Stereotype ChooChoo coming again! Don't let it derail your train of thought! I'm so punny...) This is the type of appeal that most engineers dismiss as being unimportant.
"I'm right because I'm right, and here are the facts to show it. Why should I care what other people feel?" That's a great question! You should care what other people think because how they feel towards you effects how they view your point of view. If they feel insulted, attacked, dismissed, or judged, they are more likely to dismiss your points of view,
regardless if you have shown them facts that they can not dispute. Similarly, if your audience feels respected, listened to, and like an active participant they are more willing to listen to your point of view, respect your input and be swayed to your side.
You know who is great at this? Good Guy Frank. Why do we all like him? Because his tone suggests that he cares, his attitude reflects thoughtfulness, and he consistently points out how he is listening to what we have to say. He often appeals to Pathos.
Ethos: the appeal using Credibility.
This is the most fascinating appeal IMO. It is one that takes time to develop. Each person's credibility depends on a variety of things and is unique to that person. For example, Dave Lavery's credibility (quoted so nicely by Andrew in an early post) is huge:
Just Google the guy and you come up with some impressive information. His professional credibility allows him a unique balance of sarcasm in his writing, because what he says automatically holds a lot of weight. It also means that his posts are scrutinized carefully by others. Similarly,
Andy Baker's credibility is popular due to his long-term participation in FIRST, the creation of AndyMark Inc and his thoughtful personality that shines through in all that he does. ChiefDelphi is a fantastic way for people to make or break their own credibility. Rarely does credibility stand on its own though: in order to turn yourself into a credible debater, you need to appeal to other's sense of logos and pathos.
Which brings me to my final point (just kidding, I have like a million more things to say still...):
The best discussion/debate utilizes all three forms of appeals. ChiefDelphi provides a fantastic medium for this, especially with the greenie/reddie reputation system. If you find that you are really good at one appeal (I imagine most of you are great at Logos) then try to improve your use of another appeal.
Additionally, ChiefDelphi is part of a larger program: FIRST. FIRST is a program that embraces learning and growth. Which means that CD should be a place that allows for learning and growth as well. So we need to add two final aspects to our appeals:
Humor and Humility.
Humor: FIRST is supposed to be fun! So embrace humor and try to find humor in your own writing as well as the communication in others. When we find humor, we become more creative and thoughtful individuals, which helps with all three forms of appeal.
Humility: FIRST embraces growth for all members. Embracing humility and constantly looking for how to improve yourself (including your written communication skills) is helpful to the community as a whole.
With the recent rise of various social media pages, like
FRC Confessions, that
diminish the Ethos and Logos side of discussions and concentrate soley on the Pathos, (yes, shots fired) it's important for everyone in our FIRST community to continue embracing and learning about our Core Values, especially how we apply them through written/digital communication.