Rules for Selecting Links That are Appropriate to Your Presentation

How Can Links Establish or Extend an Argument?

Links can establish or extend an argument by...

  • Showing examples of what you are saying. This allows the reader to see a concrete example of the point that you are trying to make and to give them a better understanding of it.

  • Adding additional thoughts. This adds context to your presentation and gives additional information, aside from your own, to your reader. This may also allow the reader the chance to see where your train of thought is coming from.

  • Showing similar or opposing views. If you link to sites with similar views, this helps to justify your own views. If you link to sites with opposing views, this gives the reader another view to consider.

  • Establishing credibility. You can increase your credibility if you can show your expertise in the area that you are writing about. Also, if you link to a site of a highly respected and credible person, and their views are similar to your own, then your credibility increases. This can also increase your credibility because it proves to the reader that you got your information from a reliable source. Your credibility increases,though, only if the site you are linking to is relevant to your presentation. If it is not relevant, then your credibility decreases.

    Links Cannot Establish or Extend an Argument If...

  • It won't extend the meaning or add content to the point you're trying to make.

  • You could lessen the credibility of your site.

    Good Examples of Establishing or Extending an Argument...

  • Showing examples of what you are saying. If you were describing the rhetorical style, pathos, then this would be a good site to link to because it shows an example of a pathos-based site.

  • Adding additional thoughts. If you were describing pathos, then this would be a good site to link to because it adds additional information for the reader. If you explain the term to the reader, he or she can gain additional knowledge by choosing this link and finding the definition.

  • Showing similar or opposing views. If you were writing about freedom of speech, press, and association, then this would be a good site to link to because it shows an example of a current issue which is related to what you are presenting.

  • Establishing credibility. If you were writing about Human Space Flight, then this would be a good site to link to because it adds credibility to what you are writing. NASA tends to be looked upon with high regard. Therefore, linking to the NASA home page would bring credibility to your own information.

    When Should You Link?


    You must always keep your audience in mind. When you link, you have to think about what people need to know and what they don't need to know

    Link when...

  • It shows an example relevant to your point. If it is going to help the reader better understand your point, then it is most likely appropriate to link to.

  • It extends what you are saying. You should link to the site if it is going to help the reader better understand the point you're trying to make.

  • It gives additional thought to the point you are trying to make. If another author wrote about a similar topic, then it might be beneficial to show your reader that author's view by linking to it.

  • It increases your credibility. If the link will help the reader trust your presentation more, then you should link to it.

    If you are choosing between two equal content sites, then try to choose the longest standing and most reliable link of the two.

    Don't link when...

  • The link is not relevant to your point.

  • It won't extend the meaning or add content to the point you're trying to make.

  • You could lessen the credibility of your site.

    How Can Links Have a Positive or Negative Effect on Your Credibility?

  • Linking can have a positive effect on your credibility if you link only when it is appropriate. If the links keep your reader interested and informed then your credibility will increase.

  • Linking can have a negative effect on your credibility if you "overlink." If you add too many inappropriate links then your credibility will decrease. If your links do not help the reader to better understand your presentation then the effect will be negative.

    This web page was prepared by Melissa Draper
    If you have any comments or suggestions, please e-mail me at drapem@rpi.edu.