How to Win any Debate or Argument

1
Welcome!
How to Win any Debate or Argument
2
Decide Your Purpose

• Win at once x Win in the long run
• Winning as a matter of cold logic x Winning the
  audience

3
Size up the Opposition

• Toward the subject Concerned or indifferent
• Toward you A foe, a friend who needs guidance or
  a professional adversary?

4
Marshal Relevant Facts

• Dont rush in without all facts and position to
  take.
• Identify weak points.
• Understand the argument you are going to make.

5
Invoke a Principle

• Your position must have facts or principles.
• If the opponent invokes a principle, attack
  citing extreme instances revealing flaws.

6
Ask Questions

• What do you mean by?
• Isnt it true that?
• Shaped to get a desirable result.

7
Make Eye Contact

• Displays emotion.
• Used to maximize effect or point.
• One of your most powerful physical advantages

8
Be Courteous

• Can be demonstrated by tone of voice, choice of
  words and body language.
• Listen to opponent and keep interruptions short.

9
Employ Understatement

• Overstatement and Understatement will stress your
  point.
• Understatement diminishes the point for the
  listener to correct the imbalance.

10
Admit Blunders

• When you make a mistake, admit it in a few words.
• Move on.
• Dont try to defend or ignore a mistake.