Summary

The article suggests that writers can effectively preempt and counteract criticism by proactively addressing potential counterarguments in a dedicated section of their work known as the refutatio.

Abstract

The author expresses surprise at the underutilization of a straightforward strategy for mitigating criticism: the inclusion of a refutatio section. This strategy involves anticipating and addressing counterpoints to the writer's arguments, thereby acknowledging differing opinions while reinforcing the strength of one's own position. The refutatio not only silences unreasonable critics but also serves as a method for writers to self-evaluate their logic, identify gaps in their reasoning, and demonstrate due diligence in their writing process. By considering potential weaknesses and incorporating counter-facts, writers can present more robust and well-rounded arguments, ultimately showing readers that they have gone the extra mile in their analysis. The article does not advocate for this approach in every piece of writing but suggests it as a necessary consideration depending on the content and context of the essay.

Opinions

The author believes that acknowledging and addressing counterarguments in writing is an effective way to silence critics.
It is noted that some critics take advantage of a writer's oversight to attack their arguments, and a refutatio can neutralize such attacks.
The article emphasizes that preemptively finding and addressing gaps in one's logic strengthens the overall argument.
By engaging in this practice, writers demonstrate a commitment to thoroughness and objectivity, which is appreciated by readers.
The author views the inclusion of a refutatio as a sign of a writer's dedication to presenting well-considered viewpoints, rather than as a mandatory element in all writings.
The article suggests that this technique can reduce confrontation and embarrassment resulting from critical feedback.
The author encourages writers to evaluate the potential for including counter-facts in their essays, considering factors such as word-count limits and recent developments related to their topic.
The author offers a pragmatic perspective, acknowledging that not all articles will allow for the inclusion of a refutatio due to constraints, but still advocates for its use when feasible.

I’m Surprised Many Writers Are Sleeping on This Simple Tip for Silencing Critics

I’ve seen many apply it to good effect

Readers will always disagree with some of what you say.

It doesn’t matter how many world-renowned professors co-sign on your point, there’ll be cogent counter-facts to those sacred truths.

Except some critics disguised as readers love to take undue advantage of the situation. While disagreeing with your points, they’ll try to add some acid to their comments, daring you to step in the ring or get burnt ignoring them.

To help mute these critics, some writers adopt a simple tip. They dedicate a section to talk about the counterpoints to their arguments, beating the reader to it. That section is called refutatio.

“The refutatio provides an opportunity to acknowledge that other opinions exist and have merit, while also showing why those claims do not warrant rejecting your arguments,” notes to the Purdue Online Writing Lab.

You get to slam the door in the face of silly critics

Some lazy readers are bold enough to come after you after only reading one paragraph. That’s a reality with publishing online that we all face.

Sometimes with little objectivity, all this angry mob wants to do is attack you for saying something contrary to what they hold as law. That’s even more so when you write on hot-button issues or share views that ruffle some feathers.

But when you assess your work to find — and address — potential counter-facts, you defang these angry vipers that could take advantage of gaps to spit some venom at you.

At least the more reasonable readers will wave off the critic’s tactics after reading your refutio. A helpful tip for the not too thick-skinned, wouldn’t you say?

It uncovers gaps in your logic

Everyone wants to put out work that follows undisputed logic like a shadow follows a person. And that’s an admirable goal. But while you aim for that target, don’t lose sight of the need to stress-test your points.

That could mean playing the devil’s advocate and asking yourself questions about what could be wrong with your arguments. Or at least coming up with counter-facts to your well-articulated thoughts.

That way, you can expose the gaps in your logic first-hand.

If those gaps are small enough to ignore, you can leave them as is. But where they’re big enough to become potent weapons in the hands of critics, you’ve given yourself a second chance to correct some of those faulty hypotheses.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be the first person to spot those gaps and try to plug them. Or at least I’d rather spot them and be ready with responses than have critics do it on my blindside.

It shows you went the extra length

How many writers hurriedly serve their half-baked, one-dimensional articles online just to stay on the right side of the publish or perish divide? Hey, I’m not picking on you. We’ve all been guilty. We’ve all been there.

But when you take some time to consider the potential weaknesses in your arguments, you show readers you went the extra mile to join the other camp and see things through their lenses.

You may not score any visible marks on paper, you may not get any scented flowers for that, but you’ll do yourself no harm either.

See it as a necessary evil

It’s strange to assume every article or Op-ed you write must contain a section of at least one paragraph that tries to refute some claims you’ve made. That’s not what I’m saying. And no, that principle may not apply all the time.

But what I’m saying is to consider the thrust of your essay and come up with some counter-facts readers might have.

Ask yourself if it’s strong enough to hold up under scrutiny? Is it an objective stance, or one entrenched in bias? Have there been any recent developments around your point that you may have missed? Are your supporting arguments close to watertight?

No, not every article allows you the opportunity to address counter facts to your arguments. Word-count limits, style guides, and formatting requirements could get in your way.

But you can’t legislate against critics having a field day. Nor can you keep readers from blowing your facts out of the water. But you can make things less embarrassing for yourself. Or certainly less confrontational.

Step back and scan your essay for the potential counter-facts, even weaknesses to your points. Then, if possible, address them in a paragraph. Or a few words.

When you do that, you admit there will always be exceptions to your points, views that could be just as valid as the points you make. You accept your arguments have two sides, and you touch on the other side of your arguments.

Doing that moves you a giant step towards muting the critics.

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