In the resource limited environment most engineers work in, technical merit alone rarely secures support—persuasion matters. Engineering advocacy can be defined as any effort to convince others of a technical direction- whether it’s championing solutions for complex problems, strategically presenting experimental data, or securing critical project funding. This session draws on the speaker’s experience in competitive collegiate policy-style debate to explore how fundamental rhetorical techniques can strengthen engineering advocacy. We’ll cover structuring arguments with claim evidence impact logic, anticipating counterarguments, and framing tradeoffs in alignment with stakeholder priorities. By applying these skills, you can develop compelling narratives, advocate effectively for your projects, and position your solutions as the most viable path forward.
Learning Objectives:
Identify and define the standard persuasive argument structures
Apply debate frameworks and strategies to engineering advocacy
Recognize the importance of persuasive communication to success in engineering
