Being smart in arguments involves several key principles:
1. Stay calm. Even if you get passionate about your point you must stay cool and in command of your emotions.
2. Use facts as evidence for your position. Facts, statistics, and quotes from credible sources and people are useful tools to deploy in support of your case.
4. Use logic. Show how one idea follows another. Build your case and use logic to undermine your opponent.
5. Listen carefully. Do not so much focus on what to say and ignore the points of others. It is better to listen carefully. You will observe weaknesses and flaws in their position and sometimes you will hear something new and informative.
6. Be prepared to concede a good point. Don’t argue every point for the sake argument.
7. Study your opponent. Know their strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, and values. You will understand why they are making their points and position. Use the knowledge to decide if it worth proceeding with the arguments or giving it up if it doesn’t worth the stress and energy.
8. Look for a win-win. Be open-minded to a compromise position that accommodates your main points and some of your opponent’s.
9. Do not take it personal. Direct attacks on your opponent’s lifestyle, integrity or honesty should be avoided. Attack the issue not the person.
10. Do not get distracted. Your opponent may try to throw you off balance by introducing new and extraneous themes. You must be firm and avoid deviating to something else.
By following these principles, you can engage in smarter and more productive arguments while maintaining respect and civility.
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