The art of Speaking Skill

8 Guidelines for Critical Thinking and Listening

1. Require that statements and claims be supported with facts and figures, testimony, examples, or narratives; insist that these be relevant, representative, recent, and reliable.

2. Do not accept what anyone says at face value. Examine the credentials of sources, particularly in terms of their competence and trustworthiness.

3. Differentiate among facts, inferences, and opinions.

4. Be wary of language that seems purposely vague or incomprehensible.

5. Be on guard against claims that promise too much.

6. Look for plausible reasoning, especially when messages arouse emotion.

7. Be receptive to new ideas and new perspectives, but scrutinize them carefully.

8. Ask questions, Responsible advocates welcome serious questions; unethical speakers fear them and usually become defensive.