How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Procatalepsis

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Procatalepsis

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Procatalepsis is raising an objection to one's own argument and then answering it.

Example

This is a stupid question. Or is it? If we look closer we can find some important points here.

So who needs ice removal in a warm climate? Well the night can get very cold. And of course when it's hot every day, you may want to head for the cooler hills!

Of course you know this already, so why am I pointing it out? Well recent research has added new detail...

Discussion

When you are presenting an argument or seeking to persuade people, they may easily disagree and so seek to challenge you. They may also have unanswered questions that you may want to answer for them.

By pre-empting questions, you can also increase bonding by showing that you understand the other person.

Sales people often use procatalepsis in objection-handling, where they defuse customer reasons not to buy.

Procatalepsis is a form of Anthypophora, where a person answers their own question.

Classification: Reasoning