[Topic Name]
[One-sentence summary of the position being argued]
Last updated: March 6, 2026
[Topic Name]
Domain
[Broad Area] → [Category] → [Specific Subject]
Position
“[Clear, one-sentence statement of the position you’re defending.]”
Why this matters: [1–2 sentences on why this topic is relevant right now — a recent event, policy proposal, or cultural moment that makes it timely.]
Key Terms
[Term 1] [Plain-language definition. Keep it conversational but precise — someone should be able to quote this in a discussion.]
[Term 2] [Definition]
[Term 3] [Definition]
Scope
- Focus: [What specifically are we talking about?]
- Timeframe: [What period are we looking at?]
- What this is NOT about: [Explicitly exclude common derailments — this keeps debates on track]
The Case
1. [Argument Name]
The point: [One clear sentence stating the argument.]
The evidence:
- Data: [Specific stat, study, or source — include year and source name]
- Data: [Another data point]
The logic: [2–3 sentences explaining why this evidence supports the position. Connect the dots — don’t just drop stats.]
Why it matters: [What’s the real-world consequence if people get this wrong?]
2. [Argument Name]
The point: [One clear sentence]
The evidence:
- Data: [Stat or source]
- Data: [Stat or source]
The logic: [Reasoning that ties evidence to the position]
Why it matters: [Stakes / consequences]
3. [Argument Name]
The point: [One clear sentence]
The evidence:
- Data: [Stat or source]
- Data: [Stat or source]
The logic: [Reasoning]
Why it matters: [Stakes / consequences]
Counterpoints & Rebuttals
1. “[Common objection, stated fairly]”
Their argument: [Steelman the opposing point — make it sound as strong as the other side would.]
Your response: [Direct rebuttal with evidence or logic.]
Their likely follow-up: “[What they’ll probably say next]”
Your second response: [Go deeper — address the follow-up, don’t just repeat yourself.]
2. “[Common objection]”
Their argument: [Steelman]
Your response: [Rebuttal]
Their likely follow-up: “[Follow-up]”
Your second response: [Deeper response]
3. “[Common objection]”
Their argument: [Steelman]
Your response: [Rebuttal]
Their likely follow-up: “[Follow-up]”
Your second response: [Deeper response]
Common Misconceptions
Misconception: “[Thing people often get wrong or bad-faith framing]” Reality: [Brief correction with evidence if possible]
Misconception: “[Another one]” Reality: [Correction]
Misconception: “[Another one]” Reality: [Correction]
Rhetorical Tips
Do say: [Effective framing language — phrases that resonate, ways to open the conversation]
Don’t say: [Language that backfires, triggers defensiveness, or weakens your position]
If the conversation goes off the rails: [How to redirect back to the strongest ground — what’s the one thing to come back to?]
Know your audience: [Brief note on how to adjust the argument for different audiences — persuadable moderates vs. informed allies vs. hostile interlocutors]
Key Quotes & Soundbites
“[Memorable quote from a credible source]” — [Attribution, context]
“[A good stat framed as a one-liner you could use in conversation]” — [Source]
“[Your own best one-sentence summary of the position]“
Related Topics
- [Related Topic 1] — [One sentence on how it connects] (link to page if it exists)
- [Related Topic 2] — [How it connects]
- [Related Topic 3] — [How it connects]