[Topic Name]
[One-sentence summary of the position being argued — this is the thesis, written so it could stand alone as a tweet.]
Last updated: June 6, 2026
Domain
[Broad Area] → [Category] → [Specific Subject]
Position
[Clear, one-sentence statement of the position you’re defending — bold it.]
[1–2 paragraphs of context: why this topic is relevant right now — a recent event, ruling, policy proposal, or cultural moment — and the single most important framing or move the reader should take away.]
Key Terms
-
[Term 1]: [Plain-language but precise definition. Someone should be able to quote this in a discussion.]
-
[Term 2]: [Definition]
-
[Term 3]: [Definition]
[3–5 terms total.]
Scope
- Focus: [What specifically are we arguing? What’s the analytical core?]
- Timeframe: [What period are we looking at?]
- What this is NOT about: [Explicitly exclude common derailments and bad-faith reframes — this keeps debates on track.]
The Case
1. [Argument Name — a clear claim, not a topic]
The Point: [One clear sentence stating the argument.]
The Evidence:
- [Specific stat, study, ruling, or source — include year and source name in parentheses]
- [Another data point, attributed]
- [A third, attributed]
The Logic: [2–3 sentences connecting the evidence to the position. Don’t just drop stats — explain why they support the claim.]
Why It Matters: [The real-world stakes — what’s the consequence if people get this wrong?]
2. [Argument Name]
The Point: [One clear sentence.]
The Evidence:
- [Stat or source, attributed]
- [Stat or source, attributed]
The Logic: [Reasoning that ties evidence to the position.]
Why It Matters: [Stakes / consequences.]
3. [Argument Name]
The Point: [One clear sentence.]
The Evidence:
- [Stat or source, attributed]
- [Stat or source, attributed]
The Logic: [Reasoning.]
Why It Matters: [Stakes / consequences.]
[Add a 4th argument if the topic warrants it. Aim for 3–4.]
Counterpoints & Rebuttals
Counterpoint 1: “[Common objection, stated fairly in the opponent’s own words]”
Objection: [Steelman the opposing point — make it as strong as the other side would make it.]
Response: [Direct rebuttal with evidence or logic.]
Follow-up: “[What they’ll most likely say next.]”
Second Response: [Go deeper — address the follow-up; don’t just repeat yourself.]
Counterpoint 2: “[Common objection]”
Objection: [Steelman.]
Response: [Rebuttal.]
Follow-up: “[Follow-up.]”
Second Response: [Deeper response.]
Counterpoint 3: “[Common objection]”
Objection: [Steelman.]
Response: [Rebuttal.]
Follow-up: “[Follow-up.]”
Second Response: [Deeper response.]
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: “[Thing people often get wrong, or a bad-faith framing]”
Reality: [Brief correction with evidence if possible.]
Misconception 2: “[Another one]”
Reality: [Correction.]
Misconception 3: “[Another one]”
Reality: [Correction.]
Rhetorical Tips
Do Say
[Effective framing language — phrases that resonate, the strongest way to open the conversation. A quoted example line works well here.]
Don’t Say
[Language that backfires, triggers defensiveness, or weakens your position — and why.]
When the Conversation Goes Off the Rails
[How to redirect to the strongest ground — the one thing to come back to.]
Know Your Audience
- [Audience 1, e.g. conservatives]: [How to frame the argument for them, using their values.]
- [Audience 2, e.g. progressives]: [Adjusted framing.]
- [Audience 3, e.g. the disengaged / undecided]: [Adjusted framing — often the plainest, jargon-free version.]
Key Quotes & Soundbites
“[Memorable quote from a credible source.]” — [Attribution], [context / year]
“[A good stat framed as a one-liner you could actually say.]” — [Source]
“[Your own best one-sentence summary of the position.]”
Related Topics
- [Related Topic 1] — [One sentence on how it connects] (see: Title)
- [Related Topic 2] — [How it connects] (see: Title)
- [Related Topic 3] — [How it connects] (see: Title)