8 Tips To Win An Argument
Knowing how to put yourself in the other’s shoes and empathize is one of the best ways to win an argument, since it allows us to focus on finding the solution.
Nobody likes having altercations with the people around them. However, in some cases they are necessary to be able to agree or express our points of view. So you want to know how to win an argument?
In this article we will give you some tips so that you can win an argument. Are you ready for the next time a not-quite-friendly exchange of words comes up?
How to win an argument?
Assuming that it is not good to argue and it is always better to reach an agreement, the truth is that some people around us do not “know” how to act in a way other than with a racy talk.
Beyond avoiding those situations that lead to the dispute, the next step could be to learn how to win an argument. Pay attention to the following tips.
1. Be civil
Do not forget that fights are irrational and do not allow us to think well. Staying calm is one of the main tools we have at our disposal in order to win an argument.
We will be more receptive to what the other has to say and we will abandon emotional connections. In this way, we will think logically and will not get carried away by feelings.
Being civil also means respecting the opinion of the other and allowing them to speak (in whatever tone they want) without us changing our attitude.
2. Have information
One of the best ways to overcome an adversary (to call him in some way) is to have all the necessary data to refute or emphasize an idea.
To be able to speak properly we must have all the information available. Perhaps the other person argues from ignorance and once we present him with reliable data, he can change his mind.
It is not a question of arguing for the sake of arguing, but rather of putting on the table the tools or resources necessary for the interlocutor to see things differently.
3. Don’t make it personal
Sometimes the arguments are about something that exceeds us or has no direct relationship with us. For example, if your boss is in a bad mood because a client treated him badly and wants to blame you when you have nothing to do with it.
The moment you make an argument personal, the battle is lost. Why? Because the feelings are likely to come to light or that the attack does not allow you to see things clearly.
4. Not wanting to win
Just one of the ways to win an argument… is not wanting to win it! It may seem confusing, but it is not at all.
If during an altercation with someone your attitude shows that you are “fighting to the death” and that there is nothing that can make you change your mind, the other will act in the same way.
On the other hand, if you show interest in the opponent’s words and that you intend to reach an agreement that benefits both parties, it is more likely that you will end up “getting away with it.”
5. Look from another perspective
Maybe something that is not a problem for you is a problem for the other person (or vice versa). It never hurts to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Changing the perspective of the situation can be of great help to win an argument without having to accept everything they tell you but understanding their motives.
Knowing that we are understood is the first step in opening the armor that we put on when we fight. It even allows us to deviate from the fight and focus on the solution, which, ultimately, is the same as winning.
6. Don’t get distracted
It is one of the keys, because it will keep you firm in your convictions or in the intention of finding an answer to the problem.
When we argue our opponent may want to divert the topic of the conversation by talking about things from the past that have not yet been resolved or that have been “left in the ink”.
When this happens, try to return to the main topic. Don’t let the discussion branch off because otherwise it will never end.
7. Ask open questions
This technique can also be very useful to win an argument, because it allows all the parties involved to think of a solution.
Instead of asking accusing questions or about something specific, you can ask them in such a way that they lead to “game”.
For example: how do you think we could improve our finances? What do you think if the two of us choose the destination of the vacation? How can we prevent customers from going to the competition? , etc.
8. Control emotions
It is essential to emphasize this issue, since our feelings come to light in the discussions and we cannot manage or calm them.
It is somewhat difficult to control emotions, especially in sensitive or delicate subjects; however, it is not impossible.
How do we avoid being guided by them? Staying calm, taking deep breaths and, if necessary, taking a walk in the park.
Remember that the one who shouts the loudest or the weakest who cries is not the one who cries, but to win an argument we must be calm and in total control of thoughts and emotions.
Of course, carrying out all these techniques or tips is something that requires a lot of practice, concentration and attention. Best of all, the results will be visible and that will make you want to continue improving.
