Top Tips for How to Win an Argument or Debate

how to win an argument

When it comes to presenting or defending an idea, it’s all about making people understand its value. Successful people are very aware of this and if they are ever in a debate or argument there is a very specific way to handle the situation.

We are going to give you some handy tips that will help you learn how to win an argument or debate. These ideas can be used at home or to earn that promotion.

1. Stay Calm

Staying calm is extremely important. No one is going to bother listening to you if you are acting hysterical. Think back to when you were a child. When someone yelled at you, did you listen? Probably not. But when someone took the time to calmly explain why they needed you to understand what they were saying, you eventually got the point. Always remember, if you lose your temper, you lose the argument.

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2. Use Facts

Anytime you can use facts in a situation, the other person will have a hard time arguing against it. This is why it is important to be knowledgeable on the topic that is being argued. Facts can be anything from surveys to statistics. If you have ever watched a trial, you will notice that the lawyers present facts to prove their case to the jury. The jury then discusses these facts among themselves to make a final decision. If you want to know how to win an argument, the answer is simple: always know the facts.

3. Ask Questions

Asking questions is a control tactic used by highly successful people who know how to win an argument. They are perfect to steer the discussion and make opponents scramble for answers. Sometimes it is used to provoke the opponent by asking them why they are so angry. Either way, it shows that you are in control of the conversation, and you are calmly taking the time to think about all possible outcomes.

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4. Listen

You will often find that people are so concerned with getting their point across that they forget to listen. This comes across as bull-headed, and they will often lose an argument for that reason alone. If you take the time to listen carefully, you can assess your opponent’s weaknesses and poke holes in their argument. Not only that, but you might learn something useful that can be used in the future.

5. Prepare to Concede

You don’t want to always argue for the sake of arguing. If you are constantly arguing with others, this comes across as weak, and eventually, people will quit listening to you. If someone makes a valid point, then go ahead and acknowledge it and come at it from a different angle. This shows that you are reasonable, and people will respect you more for it.

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6. Take Notes

When it comes to your opponent, if you can, you want to know everything you can about them. Their strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs. This way you can use those things strategically against them. It’s a lot like football teams before a game. They will go through and watch videos of the other team so that they can find their strengths and weaknesses, and then exploit them on the field.

7. Win-Win

In a best-case scenario, you and your opponent can come to an agreement that benefits the both of you. This is what settlements usually are. The company or person decides that they don’t want the case to go to trial, so they offer a settlement of some type to the opponent. Everyone wins.

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Conclusion

When it comes to knowing how to win an argument or debate, you want to remember your biggest asset is staying calm. You want to give yourself the time needed to think things through, ask the proper questions, and use a tactic that will benefit you.

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