How to Argue Better: For Geniuses

Do you know how to argue well? Follow these simple tips for arguing to make sure you start what you'll never finish. Just ask yourself, "Why would you not want to argue better than everybody else?" "What's so cool about not arguing?" "Why would anyone in his right mind ever let an argument end?" What kind of person says to himself, "I don't want to argue with this jerk?"

Could you improve your arguing skills?

You're probably saying, "No, of course not. I never have any trouble arguing, because I am sooooo perfect." You probably think "I'm the best arguer in the whole wide world."

Fine go ahead and stop reading. I don't need you. I can argue just fine on my own.

Delete the word "I" from your vocabulary. Infuse the word "you" as much as possible.

Miraculously transform a statement like: "I would like to talk, because I am concerned" into "You don't give a crap about anything. You are always screwing up everything. It's all your fault."

Those not well versed in the art of arguing fall for it every time. The "you" exchange lures the novice to defend himself, only to be met with another dose of "you" artillery.

Agreeing to disagree isn't as easy as it sounds. Armchair psychologists tell you that it is a great way to solve conflict. I'm going to agree to disagree with all of them. It doesn't mean AGREEING to disagree with another person; it means agreeing to always DISAGREE.

Your policy and commitment must be to disagree at any opportune moment, with anyone, at any time, for any reason. This is much more work than you think. You have to be ready at all times to say, "That's a bunch of bull and you know it."

Agree to disagree can also mean one of the best argument strategies. You simply say, "I Agree" but you do it in a sarcastic tone. In effect, you are agreeing with your words in order to disagree with nonverbal communication. This is one of the best ways to get the ball rolling. Other variations include:

• "You're right, you're ALWAYS right."
• "That's the BEST idea I've ever heard, EINSTEIN."
• "What would I do without YOUR help, GENIUS."

For some reason when you use this tactic it's better to mention "Einstein" or the word "genius." And don't forget to roll your eyes, shake your head, and sigh.

Example: "YEAH, I agree, agreeing to disagree is a GREAT way to resolve conflict, I should have thought of that. You're such a GENIUS!" (eyes rolling)

Laughter is the best medicine for hypoargumentitis (annoyingly low levels of arguing). Sometimes laughing is enough to get the argument started, but it is sure to sustain what you have labored so hard to begin. When you laugh, the other person sees your happy facial features and hears your delight. Quickly, they too will want to share in your joy. It's contagious just like yawning. The whole room usually gets into it.

Plus you are showing confidence in your argumentative stance and keeping your opponent guessing, even if you don't have anything to say. This is the best defense for an assertive person who uses those despicable, ridiculous argument killing "I statements." Here's an example;

• "I would like to talk to you about yesterday."
• (Laugh)
• "I don't think it's funny"
• (Laugh) You're right, I agree. (eyes rolling... agreeing to disagree)
• "I'll talk to you when you are ready to talk"
• (Laugh) I'm ready, but you don't seem ready. You look upset.

This brings us to the next suggestion...

When the conversation gets cold, don't pour a new cup of argument. Just add more delicious hot subjective topics to the brew. Here's a list of ideas to keep the argument hot and flowing.

1. Who/What is the best ___________ ? Whether it's a musician, basketball player, political party, religion, everything on the menu will be good as long as it is your opinion and you know you are right and you are going to change the other person's opinion. Remember to agree to disagree with whatever their views are.
2. Money. "Keep your money where you mouth is." Let your mouth flow with statements of how it should be spent, who works harder for it. You get the idea.
3. Arguing. Even arguing can be a topic of an argument. Who argues the most? Who starts arguments more often? Explore these topics when things cool down.
4. The Future. Not always smart to bet on, but the future is one of the best argument topics. Speculate about anything, as long as it hasn't happened yet. Pick something far in advance. Don't argue about things that will be revealed soon such as the color of the next car that comes around the corner of a busy street. You could, however, use this as a springboard to argue about color. "It's navy blue." "It's black." "Nu uh." "Yeah huh."
5. Why? Who, what, when, where, and how just don't help arguing as much. Learn to ask "why?" This can be as simple as asking why someone bought a Ford or why someone believes in God. Anticipate what your opponent may say, and then fire another "why?" To keep it fresh you can essentially ask "why" by asking things like: "What were you thinking when you..? How in the world did you expect to..? What superhero did you think you were when you..? Where were you going to get the money for...?"

Remember that the secret to arguing well is to focus not on figuring out who is right, but telling the other person how they are wrong. Remind yourself, this person will probably not remember what you argued about a year from now, but they sure will remember how wrong they were. It's not easy, but it is extremely rewarding.

Make sure to get the last word, because anything less would be quitting. And quitters never win arguments.