Being respectful can make your argument more credible. Why might this be the case? __

Respectfulness fosters trust and encourages open-mindedness in the audience. When you treat opposing viewpoints with respect, even when disagreeing with them, you demonstrate a commitment to fair and rational discourse. This makes your audience more likely to listen to your arguments and consider them seriously. They are less likely to dismiss you out of hand because they perceive you as being fair and reasonable. Respect also helps to establish common ground, making it easier to bridge differences and find areas of agreement. A respectful tone avoids alienating the audience and creates a more conducive environment for persuasion.<br />