1. S.M.E.L.L. Method
For argument analysis

2. Sender/Receiver – The speaker and audience of the argument
Who is the speaker?
Who is the audience?
What is their relationship?

3. Message – The speaker’s main point
On what topic is the speaker arguing?
What is the speaker’s stance on this topic?
Is the speaker’s claim valid?

4. Evidence – The speaker’s facts, figures, and anecdotes
Are the speaker’s facts and figures reliable? Provable?
Does the speaker rely on emotional appeals?
What experience does the speaker have with this topic?

5. Logic – The speaker’s reasoning
What inductive or deductive reasoning is used?
Are any logical fallacies employed?
How does logic (or its absence) impact the message?

6. Language – the speaker’s overall style
How does the speaker use language to impact the message?
Does the speaker use figurative language to strengthen the argument? How does it do that?