Argumentation Techniques

Enthymeme

Create powerful implicit arguments by leaving one logical premise unstated.

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What & why

What it is
A compressed argument that omits a premise (or sometimes the conclusion) because it is taken to be obvious or already shared by the audience, who mentally supply the missing piece. Unlike a fully spelled-out syllogism, it states only what needs stating, which makes reasoning quicker and more engaging. Its strength depends on the omitted premise being one listeners actually hold; if they do not, the gap becomes the easiest place to attack the argument.
Why it works

An enthymeme leaves a premise out and lets the listener supply it, and the act of completing the logic creates a small moment of participation that tends to make the conclusion feel self-generated rather than imposed. Stating only what needs saying also keeps the argument tight and easy to hold in mind. The risk is the same as the mechanism: if the listener does not actually share the missing premise, they fill the gap with disagreement, so the unstated assumption must be one the audience genuinely accepts.

Before & after

Before

“All successful companies invest in R&D. We want to be successful. Therefore, we should invest in R&D.”

After

“All successful companies invest in R&D, so we should too.”

When you’ll use it

Sales presentations: 'This solution saves time, so it will boost productivity' (unstated: time savings always increase productivity)

Strategic arguments: 'Our competitors are expanding globally, so we must act fast' (unstated: we need to keep pace with competition)

Budget justifications: 'Customer satisfaction dropped, so we need better support tools' (unstated: tools improve service quality)

Pro tip

Let your audience complete the logic. They'll be more convinced by conclusions they help create.

Questions & answers

What is an enthymeme in business argumentation?

An enthymeme is a shortened syllogism with one premise implied rather than stated, allowing audiences to fill in missing information. It creates engagement by letting audiences complete the logical connection themselves.

How can I use enthymemes effectively in presentations?

Ensure the implied premise is obvious to your audience, use shared assumptions or common knowledge, make the logical connection clear, and avoid leaving too much ambiguity that might confuse rather than engage.

What are the risks of using enthymemes in business communication?

Risks include audiences not sharing your assumptions, misunderstanding implied premises, cultural differences in shared knowledge, and logical gaps that weaken arguments. Ensure implied elements are genuinely obvious to your audience.

Learn more

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Aristotle's Rhetoric
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Aristotle
Purdue OWL - Using Logic

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