Notes

Certainly, let me provide a more detailed explanation on how to avoid the ad hominem and straw man fallacies to maintain credibility as a speaker:
Avoiding the Ad Hominem Fallacy: The ad hominem fallacy occurs when the speaker attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself. This can undermine the speaker’s credibility by making it seem like they are avoiding the actual issue.
To avoid the ad hominem fallacy, the speaker should:
Focus on addressing the argument or claim being made, not the person making it.
Avoid making personal attacks, insults, or criticisms about the speaker’s character, appearance, or background.
Stick to the facts and logic of the argument, rather than trying to discredit the speaker.
Acknowledge valid points made by the other side, even if you disagree with their overall position.
Avoiding the Straw Man Fallacy: The straw man fallacy happens when the speaker misrepresents an opponent’s position in an exaggerated or distorted way, making it easier to attack or refute. This can make the speaker seem dishonest or intellectually dishonest.
To avoid the straw man fallacy, the speaker should:
Accurately represent the opponent’s actual position or argument, without exaggeration or distortion.
Quote the opponent directly or paraphrase their position charitably.
Avoid setting up an overly simplistic or extreme version of the opponent’s argument.
Address the opponent’s actual points and reasoning, not a caricature of their position.
Acknowledge the nuance and complexity of the opponent’s argument, even if you ultimately disagree with it.
By avoiding these two common logical fallacies, the speaker can maintain their credibility and persuasiveness with the audience. The key is to focus on addressing the substance of the argument, rather than attacking the person making it or misrepresenting their position.