Tell me how to argue well?

Answer 1

(1) To do it right, take a course in argumentation from The Teaching Company. http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=4294&pc=Search

(2) For a quick and dirty course in how to do it wrongly, but effectively, watch the movie "Thank You for Smoking." http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427944/

(3) For ineffective, but dramatic effect, you can emulate Ron White who, on his high school debate team, responded to the opposing team's argument with, "Well, Fuuuuuuu(k YOU!" He thought he'd won, because the other team was speechless. http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Ron_White

Answer 2

It really all depends on who you are arguing with and what the subject is about. These tips work well in most situations.

First of all keep your cool.

Don't raise your voice.

Stick to the subject at hand. Don't stray. If you have one point that needs discussing stick to that point. Dragging other nagging issues into it will just end up in a mess and nothing will be resolved. After an hour or so, there will have been so many things brought out that you will have no idea what you were arguing about in the first place.

Do not start a question with the word "WHY". It automatically puts your opponent on the defensive. Believe it or not that is not where you want to them to be. The whole point of an arguement is not to win or lose but to come to a place where both will be happy.

Most importantly, do not call each other names! If there is an issue to be resolved making it personal will not help matters. It will only make it worse by being hurtful.

If you already know what the heated issue is going to be try to address the points that your opponent is going to make before he makes them. Then come back with a point in your favor. Or express your opinion.
Such as: Dad I know you think that drinking is a sin, addictive, etc. But I feel that since I am of legal drinking age a social drink will not kill me. (maybe not the best example but hopefully you get the picture)

Reinforcing your feelings for them will make this go better.
If it is a person you are in an intimate relationship with, then it helps tremendously if you put in an "I love you" occasionally. Ex: Honey, you know I love you but there is this matter we have to talk about.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Yes, it depends on with whom you argue, BUT, here are sneaky things to do (that are often very helpful/positive things):

1) When the other party makes a statement, agree with it, perhaps talking about why their statement is rational, and then impart some new material that renders their statement incomplete or inaccurate given the new information that you are adding or "helping" to put across.

2) keep in mind (or even say to them) that it is never about who is "right" and who is "wrong;" it is about reaching an acceptable conclusion while doing the least amount of damage to the relationship in question (between you and the other party). I.e., the relationship between arguing parties is more valuable than the solution or end result of an argument.

Answer 4

Never interrupt the person you're arguing with and never lose your temper. Other than that, all you can really do is say what you really feel, based on what you think is right.

Answer 5

If it's something, someone or some point you believe in, think about what you want to say to defend your idea and then back it up with whatever facts you have on hand. That's pretty much it. But whatever you do, don't get emotionally angry and start cussing, you'll just sound ignorant.

Answer 6

Listening is very important even though you may get frustrated when the other person doesn't agree. Try not to make personal attacks. Keep it professional. Acknowledge their point of view and then explain why you disagree.

Answer 7

I tend to win arguments, but to be perfectly honest I think it has less to with my argumentative skills and more to do with the fact that I'm usually on the right side of the debate.

It certainly helps to be correct. Think it through - ask yourself if you are right - and adjust your position accordingly.

Answer 8

there is nothing to tell Pinky, u have to combine with ur closed one and start talking with them , and slowly u'll learn to argue with them, i'm sure that helps u.
i think ur aim is to bcome a lawyer, is it?

Answer 9

get facts and argue them , facts cant be proved wrong

Answer 10

1.Do not make any personal remarks.

2.Know the subject well,(better than your opponent)

You will win !