Often, and this can be clearly seen on the example of politicians, the victory in the dispute is won not by the one with more weighty arguments, but by the one who simply knows how to competently conduct the discussion. If your point of view is important to you, learn to defend it.
Instructions
Step 1
As paradoxical as it sounds, one of the easiest ways to win an argument is to listen carefully to your opponent. Try to understand the point of view of the person with whom you are arguing. Look for those points on which you could agree with him. It is much easier to convince another of something when you show that you could be on "one side of the barricades." In addition, by clearly understanding how the opponent thinks, from what premises he proceeds in his constructions, it will be much easier for you to find effective arguments available to him.
Step 2
Do not let the argument go away in particular, do not be distracted from the main thing. Easily concede on secondary positions, not allowing you to be dragged into an argument over trifles. Inexperienced debaters always think that they should be right about everything, but this is far from the case. An experienced opponent knows how to confuse an opponent with strong argumentation with just some completely insignificant trifle.
Step 3
Ask as many questions as possible. You already know your point of view, as well as what it is based on, study in more detail what the opposite side knows. If the disputant expresses an opinion, find out what it is based on, if it operates with facts, ask questions about their sources and context. Perhaps your opponent is shrinking, and you will understand exactly where the weak points in his argumentation are. Or, you will learn something new from his story, which will allow you to strengthen your ideas.
Step 4
If you suspect that there may be a dispute on a certain set of issues where you are going, prepare in advance. Collect as much information as possible on the issue under discussion, statistical, factual and logical arguments. Imagine how an argument could develop - what they can tell you and what you can object to.
Step 5
Behave yourself. If your opponent gets personal or insults, don't be like him, but just curtail the argument. Do not allow yourself to discuss the identity of your opponent, not his reasoning.
Step 6
Watch your voice and movements. A person who switches to shouting and waving their arms looks neither confident nor authoritative. It is necessary to speak clearly, firmly, but not monotonously, changing the tempo and timbre of the voice, using expressive hand gestures, emphasizing the most important arguments with them. Pay attention to influential politicians - perhaps they do not always know thoroughly what they are talking about when they talk about science, for example, but they influence public opinion, first of all giving the impression of people who are competent, collected, calm and cold-blooded, and not nervously fidgeting or flashing like gunpowder unbalanced types.
Step 7
Understand that it is important for you to convince the audience that you are right in this debate, or to persuade your opponent to your point of view. Calculate your reasoning depending on the purpose. If your goal is to convince a group of people, appeal more to the emotions and values of the audience. Even sober and rational people obey the laws of sociology. If you want, first of all, to force the interlocutor to agree with you, stick to formal logic and refer to the position and argumentation of the opponent.
