This document discusses stasis theory in rhetorical arguments. Stasis theory provides a framework for identifying the key point of disagreement or tension in an argument. It involves working through four questions - fact, definition, quality, and procedure - to determine the essential issue or "stasis" that needs to be addressed. Once the stasis is identified, an effective argument will make a claim to resolve the tension, provide reasons to support that claim, and evidence to convince the audience to accept the claim.

1. Stasis Theory
in Rhetorical
Arguments
Prof Brian Malone
Writ 1301; UHCL; Fall ‘20

2. The Goal?

3. Persuasion

4. I
Don’t
Care
About
ONE
Side

5. I want
a deeper understanding

6. Arguing
As the process of
developing a
response

8. A template for
questioning…

9. …A framework
for organizing

10. Work through
the tension

11. Arrive at
stasis

12. Question Stages:
Fact Definition Quality Procedure

13. Fact
•Does it exist?
•Did it happen?
•Empirical
Evidence.

14. Definition
What is it?

15. Evaluation
Judgement

16. Procedure
How do we respond?

17. Stasis…
Where is the
REAL tension?

18. Explore it.
This is your topic.

20. Stating your
position…

21. ANSWER:

22. Timeliness
Why is this
relevant?

23. Motives
Why are you entering this
conversation?

24. Purpose
What is your
goal?

25. Audience
Who is this for?

26. • What…
Is their perspective?
• What…
Do they know?
• How..
Will they react to your
argument?
On Audience

27. And how can you
prepare for their…

28. Reasonable
Objections?

29. Outcomes
What are the
goals of your
message?

30. Delivery
What form
should your
message take?

31. Englishy Math
ARGUMENT = A CLAIM
+
REASONS
+
EVIDENCE

32. CLAIMS are
your basic message

33. CLAIMS are
an answer
to stasis

34. Claims of
Fact
Definition
Quality
Procedure
…can all be contested

35. REASONS
Why should I believe your claim?

36. Fact
Definition
Quality
Procedure

37. EVIDENCE
Will they ACCEPT
your claim?

38. Evidence:
Sufficient
1
Relevant
2
Accurate
3

39. Acknowledgement
These slides were designed by Prof. Brian
Malone based on the 2019 textbook
Becoming Rhetorical by Dr. Jodie Nicotra at
the University of Idaho. The information
and occasionally the language presented in
these slides follows chapter 7 of Dr.
Nicotra’s book.