5 best ways to win an argument
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5 ways to win an argument
When was the last time you had won an argument with your loved ones hands down? Most people think that winning an argument depends on one's communication skills. However, communication skills also need a smart and mean brain. I assure you that if you use these 5 tactics with perfect timing, nothing is going to stop you from winning. STATUTORY WARNING: Dont try on your wife, girlfriend or boss. They are smarter than people like me who just write for writing's sake.
1. Blame the opponent for the argument: It is really important to maintain throughout the argument that your opponent started the argument at the first place. Always remember that you are a victim of your opponent's whim and someone as innocent as you can not possibly instigate a conflict situation.
2. Use a third person: Whenever you feel your opponent has made a bloody good point, just take shelter of a third person. Pretend that your opponent is not around, then turn to this third person, use the killer words "Can you imagine he said blah blah blah.... !! How ignorant can someone get." and then one smirk and a small pat to your forehead. Congratulations ! You have won the round.
3. Make sure to advertise your small wins: Whenever you feel you have made a bloody good point, do not wait for his/her expressions or reactions. Take advantage of it. Again a smirk, a small shake of head from right to left and then a 20 seconds half smile with the look that says "Oh !! You poor darling."
4. Cook up the facts that nobody can varify: If you are doing a factual argument, feel free to create your own facts. Afterall, everybody has a right to create information. Just make sure that these facts are not easily varifiable. Use words like, "I read in a survey that ..... " or " There was this interesting episode on Discovery channel which told me that some Zebras can fly." Now let it be your opponent's headache to follow up with the Discovery channel office.
5. Make your opponent eat his/her own words: When your opponent presents an argument, try to make it round and personal. Trap him in such a way that he has to think twice before reacting and use this interruption to build on your own theory. You can trap him by proving that what he is saying is not practical and is totally inconsistent with his acts or beliefs. Force it down his throat that the point he just made was only to win the argument and that he does not really believe in that. A classic example is the suicide example. If someone is defending suicide, ask him why does not he hang himself at the first place? He will surely stammer before responding. Use this time to dominate him.
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Comments
Yeah. Thats great. We always have this fear of loosing an argument without realizing that the opponent also has the same thoughts running through the mind. We just need to make sure to pretend that you r not afraid. Once you start dominating, it is half the battle won.
I was born a winner (winning in arguments that is). That is one of the reasons that I always wanted to be a lawyer. Very informative hub. Thanks for sharing!
Hope it helps you win some arguments with your mates. Let me know when they do. I will be overjoyed.
Isn't this also a good way to lose your reputation? :-)
Comeon. This is just for your mates and people you are really close with informally. You can actually proove that you are the smarter one by taking them for a ride :-) Anyway, it was written for a funnier group... strictly not to be taken seriously :)
Its funny alright!
"Blame the opponent for the argument"
UGH! I argue fairly. I cant stand it when people play games while arguing with me. Funny though! :)
i emailed you. im not sure how to just "talk" on here without leaving a comment.
And I replied back using my own email id. Even I am new to the system :)
Hey Stooge, cute hub. One thought, winning an argument is really just a matter of perception. I always think I win (cause yes I have a big ego), but if you asked my hubby, he might say otherwise!!
Could not agree more with you. In fact I would say ego starts all the arguments, else it will be just a conversation :) But a little ego can never hurt anybody :) Its always better to have a big ego than not having one at all.
I am sure if I asked your hubby in front of you, he would say you win hands down but agree, if we were drinking in a bar, he would say otherwise. Well.. that is man for you :0)
By the way, I hope you called it cute in a good way :)
Yes, "cute" in a very good way. I thought you might take offense to the word, but figured I'd use it anyway cause it fit. My hubby would say the same thing to you as he would in front of me, cause he's a genuine guy. He would say that I win the arguments, but he would do so with a big grin on his face:)
Nah.. it is alright with me. Its a compliment afterall, isn't it? :)
Hmm.. your hubby seems interesting and moreover, courageous. I would not do the same in his position. Even with a nickname like stooge, I am essentially a smart guy. Dont show this comment to your hubby :-D
From the political debates that I have heard it would seem that most politicians agree with you. Such a system might be fun for the participants but it is questionable whether it improves the mind or the spirit for anyone.
Sebastian, completly agree.. these sound more of political tip for arguments. Actually, I wrote this hub for sheer fun. Nothing serious about it and completely to be tested on your loved ones (like best friends). Not for serious debating though
Hi stooge!
Some times you are funny some times very serious. Did you not know tricks just before two days? remeber loosing an arguement?
I am sure, winning an arguement means loosing a friend or a customer, except in the the business of law.
jyoti Kothari
Hilarious. I especially Liked the STATUTORY WARNING.
Jyothi, as I already said, these tips are not for serious debates. At most I can use them on my friends where I dont have anything to loose.
CW, glad it tickled your funny bone. The only serious thing about this hub was the statutory warning.
My sense of humor is warped...
stooge, good stuff, kiddo!
i was taught by me mum to just smile and agree ... nothing takes someone else's power away more than when you smile and agree with them ... then i do it my way. [grin]
Thats right, I am not patting myself on the back but I do have the answers! My father used to say "You have all the answers don't you" I would reply "That and more!" You see I don't start the arguments these days because I like peace in my life. In fact I had a way of making a joke of everything so much so I was voted the jolliest in high school. I have had therapy and I study behavior. I am not an expert on the subject but I do pretty good and have the last word or even the last laugh. Even when I go for a routine tests or surgery I have the Doctors laughing before the proceedure and afterwards. My arguments are more sarcasm then anything else. My husband just shakes his head and says "your crazy!" I tell him: "You married me!" Thanks for the hub it was funny. I like the third person especially!
Those points are good for lighthearted arguments. For serious arguments, it's good to have tremendous grasp of the facts. Attack the inconsistency of the opponent's argument with his or her values and principles. Questionable facts and references may save your ass for the meantime.But the argument may not stand the test of time.
yeah...if you are a kid
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misshardy says:
2 years ago
haha!! Excellent! I use almost all the ways listed above and by boyfriend hasnt won an argument ever! LOL