What is the practice of ignoring dissent and highlighting conformity to convince an audience?

The practice of ignoring dissent and emphasizing conformity to persuade an audience is accurately described by the concept known as selection fallacy. This refers to the tendency to cherry-pick information or evidence that supports a particular argument or viewpoint while disregarding any counterarguments or dissenting opinions that could provide a more balanced perspective. By selectively presenting information that aligns with one side and omitting dissenting viewpoints, a speaker or advocate can create an illusion of consensus or overwhelming support for their position, which can be very persuasive to an audience.

This technique can be effective in debates and advocacy because it simplifies complex issues and makes it easier for the audience to align with the presented perspective. It leverages the human inclination towards conformity, where individuals may feel pressured to adopt the majority viewpoint instead of considering alternative arguments. Recognizing and understanding this practice is crucial in developing critical thinking skills, especially when evaluating the strength and validity of arguments in speeches or written work.