talking point
Prepared debate position
A talking point is a prepared argument or piece of information designed to be repeated in discussions, interviews, or debates.
Politicians and spokespeople receive talking points to stay on message: She stuck to the campaign's talking points.
The term often carries a dismissive connotation—suggesting rehearsed rhetoric rather than genuine engagement: That's just a talking point.
Art of persuasive language
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- narrativeAccount of events
- soundbiteBrief broadcast excerpt
- sloganMemorable promotional phrase
framing · messaging · pitch · angle · propaganda · pundit · spokesperson · campaign
Subject of discussion
- subjectMatter under discussion
- itemSingle unit or article
- issuePoint of contention
- matterSpace-occupying substance with mass
bullet · outline · discussion · meeting · briefing · summary · rundown · highlights
Reasoned case or dispute
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- refutationDisproving a statement
- positionLocation or stance
stance · contention · assertion · claim · evidence · reasoning · logic · persuasion
Causing sharp division
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- uproarNoisy public disturbance
outrage · divisive · hot-button · wedge issue · flashpoint · lightning rod · firestorm · culture war
rhetoric
Art of persuasive language
slogan · framing · messaging · pitch · angle · propaganda · pundit · spokesperson · campaign · political
topic
Subject of discussion
matter · bullet · outline · discussion · meeting · briefing · summary · rundown · highlights · priorities
argument
Reasoned case or dispute
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- refutationDisproving a statement
position · stance · contention · assertion · claim · evidence · reasoning · logic · persuasion · convince
polarizing
Causing sharp division
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- backlashStrong negative reaction
uproar · outrage · divisive · hot-button · wedge issue · flashpoint · lightning rod · firestorm · culture war · debate
- campaigningcandidate, campaign signs, canvassing, campaign manager, fundraising
- clichescliche, platitude, bromide, tired phrase, worn phrase
- public affairspolitics, election, campaign, polling, poll
- publicitypublicity, PR, press conference, publicist, press release
- campaign jargonstump speech, sound bites, soundbite, soundbites, spin doctor
- political rhetoricstump speech, slogan, soundbite, keynote, campaign ad
talk, talks, talking, talker, talked, talkers, talking head, talking points