How can Americans learn to argue better?

Young people’s political opinions often change when they leave home, which can cause their new views to conflict with the views of their family members. This can make tensions rise during holidays, a time when many young people return to their parents’ homes. So how can we get liberal and conservative family members to have real, productive conversations with each other? By helping them argue better. Planet Persuasion is a board game that promotes the craft of argument, and teaches people that arguing doesn’t have to mean fighting.

Finalist in pitch to Virginia Humanities

Copywriter: Lauren Sitterly (me) Art Director: Shelby Bass Strategist: Emily Thomas Strategist: Rachael Sherman Experience Designer: Virginia Adamson

The premise

You and your fellow players are a band of space pirates. The goal is to win the most gems. You win gems by having the most successful argument.

Scenario Cards

There is one judge each round and they decide who wins the argument. The judge flips over a scenario card and reads it to the group. Players make their argument according to the scenario. There are 3 types of scenarios: individual, team (the group divides into 2 teams, the teams make opposing arguments), and cooperative (the group must argue as a whole to persuade the judge). After the round winner has been chosen and the gems have been awarded, the judge rotates clockwise.

Persuasion Cards

During each round, players must select one of their persuasion cards and use the technique on that card to make their argument. Each card features the argument technique and an example of that technique. Players can use the example argument, but are encouraged to create their own.