A few simple rules apply to arguing like a pro, regardless of whether you're debating from a podium or just fighting with your mom at home.You can make any opinion sound like the right one if you use effective communication, pay attention to what your opponent is saying, and use a well- placed argument.
Step 1: If debating formally, follow the form.
It is important to know how a debate works if you are going to be debating in a formal setting.You need to know the formula behind the back of your hand so that you are prepared for a formal debate.You can lose points if you break from the formula.Two or more teams or single debaters will be assigned to either agree or disagree with the statement.You will take turns making your points.You need to know which debate style you are using in order to be clear on the rules.It is a good idea to research this well in advance.Look for words like "competitive debate" or "Parliamentary debate".The styles of debate you might encounter are listed.
Step 2: Stay calm.
Stay calm when you debate.Don't get angry or start shouting.This will show weakness to your opponent.Keep your facial expression neutral and keep your voice the same.It is much harder for your opponent to find buttons that will make you trip up.Try to focus on your breathing for a minute or two if you are having trouble staying calm.
Step 3: Speak with authority.
Speak clearly so that people can understand you.Speaking clearly makes you sound more confident.Speak clearly with a loud enough volume that people can hear you.Don't mumble or slur your words but say each word with care.Poor enunciation is easy to detect when speaking tongue twisters.Try this one, "How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?"
Step 4: Explain your reasoning.
When you explain to someone how you arrived at the conclusion that you came to, deliberately and step by step, you are forcing their brain to think in the same way that yours does.If your reasoning is good on the surface, you can bring someone over to your side of the argument.
Step 5: It's important to be respectful and fair.
Don't argue with someone if you're respectful.Don't insult them, talk over them or judge them.Doing this makes people defensive and less willing to listen to you or agree with you, which is a sign that your argument isn't very good.In an argument, you should be fair.The facts should not be distorted.Evidence against them is recent and directly related to the water under the bridge.A bad example of debating would be, "Why should we listen to you?"When you were in charge of the project, you broke the system.A good example of debating would be: "I know you're excited about this project but the situation is very sensitive."It would be better to use someone with more experience.
Step 6: Be confident.
Although you don't have to be confident, acting confident can make you and your argument more believable.You communicate if you don't think your argument is very good, even if it's not true.Simple things can make you appear more confident.If you have an audience, make eye contact with them.Use your hands to talk or keep them pinned in front of you.Speak with purpose, avoiding words like "umm" and "ahh".A few changes will make you seem more sure of yourself.
Step 7: Arguments can be based on logic.
Arguments based on logic, sometimes referred to as "logos" in the study of arguing, use examples and ideas which are simple and direct.When debating with someone who considers themselves smart and logical, these kinds of arguments are helpful.They are good for topics that are serious.To make logical arguments, use facts, statistics, and real life examples.As more comprehensive sex education has become mandatory in schools, there has been a decrease in teen pregnancies.You can see it in this chart.
Step 8: Arguments should be based on emotions.
Arguments based on emotions, sometimes referred to as "pathos" in the study of arguing, use appeals to people's heart and emotions.When debating with someone who is prone to strong emotions, these kinds of arguments are helpful.They are good for topics that are human in nature, like arguments about social justice, discrimination, or current events with great tolls on society.Draw on people's hopes and fears.To make a personal connection with either your opponent or your audience, use personal stories and compare the situation to something that is close to them.Backing out now would pose an infinitely greater danger to us than if we tried to fix the problem.If we stay, we can save lives.
Step 9: Arguments can be used based on authority.
In the study of arguing, arguments based on authority use appeals to your authority and credibility or that of another who supports your ideas.When debating with someone who is not as experienced in the field or who has a weak argument, these kinds of arguments are helpful.They are good for arguments about medicine, science, or history.When using arguments like these, try to establish your credentials and elaborate on your experience.Make sure your opponent is not more experienced than you.I have seen all of these practices first hand and have taught for over 30 years.I know what works in the field.Real life and ideal are two different things.
Step 10: Do your homework.
The more prepared you are, the better you will do.Do your research if you want to guarantee a win.If you know a topic backwards and forwards and from all angles, you'll be better prepared to counter any argument your opponent might have.It's important to know the most common arguments against both sides of the issue.You'll be able to explain why that's wrong if you know what your opponent is going to emphasize.You don't want to make websites like Wikipedia your main source of information.It's a good place to start, but you should use sources that are experts in the topic you're covering.If you're going to debate about economics, don't quote a fact.One of the economics professors at Harvard is co-editor of a major academic journal on the topic.
Step 11: Look for logical errors.
The line of reasoning that someone uses is wrong.The way of getting there is not right.You can use this to make your argument look better.In order to learn to recognize and counter logical fallacies, you'll want to study each one individually.By pointing out logical fallacies in your opponent's argument, you force them to either accept them or use their time to argue that their argument isn't illogical.One of the most common examples of a logical fallacy is called "ad hominem".This is common in politics.Think of it as "this guy is a jerk" or "there is no evidence that this plan will work"."Black or white" is a logical fallacy.This is when an argument is presented with only two options, with the outcome they want being presented as the best one.This ignores the middle ground and other routes."You can get married and have children or you can die old and alone."There may be some wiggle room in there.
Step 12: They have weaknesses in their argument.
There are many ways in which someone's argument can be weak.You can point out the weaknesses if you find them.Look for places where they have not thought through their course of action.The recent Supreme Court decision that companies can have a religion and that employees should be subject to the rules of that religion is an example of this.It is more acceptable if the company is traditional Christian than if it is outrageous Pastafarians.Another sign of a weak argument is if they use very little evidence to back up their argument.This is usually an indication that there isn't any evidence and they're drawing the conclusion that they want to draw.Someone arguing that guns prevent mass shootings and only using one example in favor of their argument is missing how many examples go in the opposite direction.You want to talk about the evidence that was passed over.
Step 13: The topic should be kept on track.
This is when your opponent starts talking about something other than the topic you're debating.It can be a sign that your opponent is running out of solid reasoning when the debate gets off track.You will be more likely to win if you keep an argument on track.If the current argument ties back to the topic you're supposed to be dealing with, ask yourself.The argument is off track if it doesn't support one side or the other.If you argue about whether guns prevent mass shootings and they argue that anyone who doesn't like guns is racist, that's an example of this.In turning the argument around, be aggressive.They should be called out for changing the topic.You can make yourself look more confident and correct by pointing out the behavior to your audience.