As an expert on conspiracy theories and their mechanisms, you have been invited to a round table debate called “In facts we trust… Or do we?” held at an international forum in New York. You will take part in the debate and explain why conspiracy-style narratives are persuasive today and how trust in reliable information can be strengthened.

Take part in a round table discussion.
The round table brings together a group of experts (a psychologist, a sociologist, a media expert, a political science expert, a tech representative, etc.). The goal of the debate is to understand why conspiracy theories spread so easily and what societies can do to strengthen trust in reliable information. You will prepare and present arguments, respond to questions from other experts, and convince an audience of journalists and policymakers.

• Gather your notes from the unit. Make sure you understand the mechanisms behind conspiracy theories and can cite examples from history or current events.
• Prepare your role: Choose which expert you want to represent from
  LLS.fr/ANGTExperts
  , and select evidence that fits your character's perspective.
• Prepare your arguments: Decide which arguments you will present and anticipate challenges or counterarguments.
• Practise presenting your points clearly and confidently in your expert role.
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➤ Créez un personnage bien défini

• Choisissez l'expert que vous allez représenter et soyez crédible : cherchez des informations et le vocabulaire spécifique à ce métier.
• Définissez les priorités et points de vue de votre expert.

➤ Préparez vos arguments

• Faites les recherches nécessaires et sélectionnez quatre ou cinq arguments.
• Vérifiez que les arguments sont à la fois précis et compréhensibles pour le reste des participants.
• Ajoutez un exemple concret pour chacun de vos arguments.
• Anticipez les contre-arguments qu'on pourrait vous opposer.

➤ Défendez vos idées

• Appuyez-vous sur des notes contenant seulement les idées principales et les détails essentiels (dates, chiffres, noms propres).
• Écoutez attentivement les autres participants et notez rapidement leurs idées principales.
• Posez des questions pour clarifier ou approfondir.
• Impliquez-vous dans la discussion et rappelez vos arguments principaux pour appuyer vos interventions.

Create a digital guide.
You will create a digital guide for the forum's website, presenting key findings on conspiracy theories and practical advice for recognising reliable information. This guide will help the audience understand the topic before the debate. Explain why conspiracy narratives can be persuasive and show how people can strengthen trust in facts, using a few clear and concise bullet points, highlighting facts and examples, and giving advice.

• Gather your notes from the unit: Make sure you understand the mechanisms behind conspiracy theories.
• Select examples: Choose historical or current examples that illustrate why conspiracy narratives are persuasive.
• Plan your guide: Decide which points are most important to include and how to organise them clearly.
• Write clear bullet points: Explain your ideas concisely, using short sentences and simple language.
• Give practical advice: Include tips on how readers can recognise reliable information and strengthen trust in facts.
• Check your clarity: Your guide should be easy to understand for someone reading it before the debate, and make them want to hear more!