Winton Eliott
There’s a reason why some people are better at winning arguments than others. It has less to do with intelligence and more to do with the habits they’ve formed over time.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the dos and don’ts for handling your next argument.
Do
Prepare
If you want to win an argument, you should always do your homework on any topic that comes up.
For example, if someone says something about a presidential candidate and you don’t know who that person is or what his policies are, then you’re going to lose the argument.
Spend some time learning about your topic of choice so that you have enough facts and data to back you up.
Pay Attention
It’s easy to get distracted in an argument, especially if the other person is getting emotional or saying things that don’t make sense.
However, it’s important to stay focused if you want to win.
Pay attention not only to what the other person is saying but also to how he’s saying it.
This will help you get a better idea of his emotional state and whether or not he’s likely to resort to tactics like belittling, name-calling, or yelling in order to make his point.
Stay calm
You can’t win an argument if you lose your cool.
This means that you shouldn’t get too emotional and try to talk over the other person or use sarcasm or any other type of verbal attack to score points.
Instead, stay calm and levelheaded so that you can present your point in a way that makes sense and isn’t easily dismissed.
Use logic and facts
If you want to come out on top, then you need to use logic and facts to back up your argument.
This means that you shouldn’t rely too heavily on talking about how you feel or what the other person feels; instead, focus on presenting clear arguments that are proven by data.
Ask questions
To win an argument, it’s often a good idea to ask questions.
This can not only help you get more information about the topic at hand, but it can also give you a better understanding of what the other person is thinking and exactly what he wants to say.
Appeal to higher values
In order to win an argument, you should appeal to the other person’s sense of morality or ethics.
For example, if you’re discussing a political issue about choosing between two presidential candidates, then you might point out that one of them is better for people with disabilities while the other may be more supportive of gun rights.
When attempting to appeal on a higher level, it’s important to stay respectful and avoid making personal attacks or using inflammatory language.
- Read also: How to Be Happy Again
- Read also: How To Overcome Your Fear Of Rejection
Don’t
Evade
If someone brings up an important topic during an argument, then it’s important that you address it head-on.
For example, if someone says that you’re always late and you try to change the subject or avoid the issue, then this will make you seem dishonest and unwilling to engage in a meaningful discussion.
Interrupt
It’s also important not to interrupt others when they’re speaking during an argument. This can be extremely disrespectful and make you seem like you’re unwilling to listen to the other person’s point of view.
Lie
Lying is never a good idea in an argument, as it can damage your credibility and make it harder for others to take what you have to say seriously.
You should always tell the truth when arguing with someone, even if it means that you might lose the argument.
This will help build trust and mutual respect between you and the other person, which is crucial for success in any type of debate or discussion.
Use Emotion
One of the most common mistakes people make when arguing is to rely on emotion rather than logic.
This means that you might resort to calling your opponent names, insulting his intelligence or making sarcastic remarks in order to score points for yourself.
However, doing so will only ruin your credibility and cause the other person to disengage from the conversation.
Get personal
If you want to win an argument, it’s important that you avoid getting personal.
This means that you should avoid making comments about the other person’s physical appearance or character traits, as well as attacking his family members or other people he cares about.
Get distracted
Another common mistake people make when arguing is trying to get distracted or change the subject.
This can be a way of avoiding difficult topics, but it can also cause you to lose sight of what you’re actually trying to say. To win an argument, it’s important that you stay focused and keep your eye on the prize.
- Read also: How to Overcome Guilt
- Read also: How to Find Happiness Within Yourself
Final words
To win an argument, it is important to stay focused and use logic and facts rather than emotion. You should ask questions, appeal to higher values, and avoid getting personal or distracted.
Additionally, it is crucial that you be honest and respectful in your approach, as this will help build trust and mutual respect with the other person.
By following these tips, you can effectively win any argument and come out on top.
