5 Simple Tricks to Help You Win any Argument
(Mûhåmmåð Årslåñ Îlyäs, Karachi,Pakistan)
We all get into arguments from
time to time. But how do you deal with those people who consistently want to
fight and act like they are always right? Contradicting them just feeds their
desire for conflict and will frustrate and cause strife. Here are five
alternative methods for dealing with this type of difficult person.
1. Smile: Deflect the anger. Ask questions designed to get the other person to
think about why he or she is upset. It's very difficult to argue with someone
who is smiling and conversing without resistance.
2. Let them think your point of view is their own: To do this requires some
subtlety but is very powerful against extremely stubborn people who will never
admit they are wrong. The trick is to ask questions designed to manipulate the
person into arriving at your conclusion "on their own."
3. Admit your mistakes: If you did something wrong or made a mistake, just be
humble and admit it. This sound like you're conceding defeat, but actually this
wins immediately since it takes the combative person completely off guard. One
of two things usually happens next: either the other person will feel bad for
even bringing up the issue and will suddenly be very helpful, or they won't know
how to respond immediately which gives you the opportunity to say something
leading the conversation into a more productive direction.
4. Shut up: This is an especially strong technique when you know you're right
and you suspect the other person knows it but isn't ready to admit it. Let the
person fumble and squirm around while you just listen. One of the lessons of
history is that ‘nothing’ is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing
to say.
5. Do Not Attack: Whatever you do, do not attack the other person. Sure, you
might know the exact thing to say to hit them where it hurts. You might be cold
and calculating with your logic and reduce the argument (and the person's
self-esteem) to dust. Or you could follow the techniques above and come away
from the argument with an ally instead of a foe. Your choice.