5. Refutations of opponents' arguments that assure the decision maker that no meritorious points have been overlooked.

Your job is to address the other side's principal allegations and in ways that support arguments that you have already made. You don't have to respond to your opponent's every argument.

Be careful not to over argue your case. It's usually not helpful to take your opponent's arguments and talk about all the dire things that will happen if the decision maker rules against you.

Focusing on personalities suggests that you're weak on the merits. Rarely if ever mention the other side. If you must challenge them, do it in a straightforward way; e.g., "the cases cited by defendant do not apply." Behaving like a junkyard dog toward your opponent confuses strength with shrillness and sarcasm.

Indicators:

• Opponent's principal points are strategically addressed.

• Opponent's principal points are not ignored.

• Opponent's key arguments are effectively distinguished or explained away.

• Hyperbole and personality attacks are avoided.