How To Win An Argument

1. What are Your Goals?
Although there are those who argue for arguments sake, most of us only become embroiled in conflict when something upsets us. Ultimately, the objective of any argument is to win – but you can only win if you have defined what you are hoping to achieve. For example, perhaps you simply want to change somebody’s view point or defend yourself against an accusation?

2. Hold Your Tongue
You are coiled like a spring, angry and ready to pounce. The last thing you feel like doing right now is letting the other person have their say! But actually, listening is a key strategy in winning the
day! First of all, it allows you to formulate a decent counter to each of your opponent’s points and secondly, it will take a little of the sting out of the fight.

3. Repeat – Repeat
A misunderstanding can quickly escalate a battle into a full and bloody war! Repeat your opponent’s arguments, taking care to keep your tone free from anger – this will ensure you have understood their points and demonstrate that you are listening.

4. Stormy Seas
There are times when emotions flood like a spring tide in a storm. Waves of anger swell, blown by frustration and clouded by hurt. It may be hard, but to control an argument, you must learn to control yourself. Steer your ship to tranquil waters, a clear head will help you better make your point!

5. Lowering the Tone
Sometimes a need to make a point can combine with frustration and anger, only to manifest as a garbled message delivered in an angry tone. The fact is that while it is natural to want to shout, a calm voice and a sensitive tone will help you better make your point and also disarm your opponent.

6. Focus Your Aim
If you throw a single stone at a specific target, your focus means you are likely to knock it over. Conversely throwing a hand full of pebbles in the general direction of that same target actually reduces your chance of success. Arguments are the same, stay on topic, focus on a single point at a time!

7. Don’t be Personal
When we argue we are more prone to say things we don’t mean, things we might later regret in the calm light of day. Keep your argument focused and avoid being personal. Making comments that are off topic won’t help your argument but may damage your relationship.

8. Keep an Open Mind
When discussing the points of your disagreement you may feel that some of your opponent’s arguments carry some weight. Don’t be afraid to concede a battle in order to win the war. Remember that the wise will listen, weigh each point and be big enough to admit when you are wrong!

9. Mountains and Moles
Try not to argue in front of others, a molehill can quickly become a mountain if fuelled by numerous opinions. Don’t let the waters become muddied by straying off subject, keep to the points you are arguing and stay focused!

10. Enjoy the moment
When a sprinter crosses the line, they slow quickly to a standstill, the victory theirs, they are happy to revel in the winning. Don’t be so caught up with the ebb and flow of an argument that you actually miss the point where you have won!

11. Respect Retreat
There is nothing worse than swallowing your pride, admitting you were wrong only to then be ridiculed. Allow your opponent to retreat with dignity and remember that it takes a lot for somebody to withdraw – that deserves your respect! A smile and a lighter mood is a much smarter way to move things on!


SOURCE: www.dailysmash.co.uk