10 Tips to win a debate
Keep your voice down
An argument is won by the person with the most compelling argument, not with the loudest voice ! When debating, as hard as it may be, you should never raise your voice. It’s important that you remain calm, because the louder you talk, the louder your opponent talks — and the end result is just a yelling match !
Get your opponent on your side
It’s a good idea to try to get your opponent on your side. You can do this by making statement that you know they agree with. And, you don’t even need to use a fact relating to your debate. As soon as your opponent agrees, you have won a psychological battle. You are no longer the opponent, you are a comrade.
Don’t attack
It’s not a good idea to blatantly tell your opponent that they are wrong. Instead, you should show that they are wrong through good counter-arguments. Telling a person they are wrong will only annoy them, and it does nothing for your argument as it is a subjective comment. Well, at least until you can prove it. So be humble in the debate and show good will. If you win, it will make you look good ; but whether you win or lose, it will make you a worthy opponent nonetheless.
Refrain from name calling
As soon as you begin to criticize your opponent, it becomes obvious that you have run out of ways to defend your view. And these types of insults are a sure way to lose a debate. So never resort to name-calling — even if your opponent does. You must attack your opponent’s arguments, not them as a person. However, if your opponent resort to this weak attempt to to escape the actual debate, it’s a clear sign that you are close to victory !
Appear to be open-minded
Becoming defensive is one of the worst ways to win an argument. Don’t let your opponent sense that you’re digging into your position without being willing to consider alternatives. If you appear to be giving the other side’s position a thoughtful review, then the solution you propose will seem far more sensible. Additionally, your opponent may come to your side, without you having to do anything other than listen. Be letting your opponent speak, the situation may resolve itself naturally.
Stick to the subject
When someone begins to lose à argument, it’s quite common to see them try to divert the topic to something else — with the hopes that you won’t notice their weakness. When this happens, don’t fall for it ! Return to the original topic immediately. Don’t give any time to other topics, until you have resolved the one that started the debate in the first place !
Ask questions
When your opponent states what they believe to be a fact, probe deeper into the fact with questions that are designed to expose its flaws. Use “tell me more” type questions, such as “can you give me an example ?”. These questions will almost always lead your opponent to the truth — and if they are honest, they will concede.
Be silent
Another great way to win any argument is by not arguing at all ! After making a strong argument, let your opponent do all the talking. Especially if they lack the facts to oppose you. They will likely just fumble around, and give you a variety of new ways by which to oppose them. This may not lead to them conceding defeat, but it will lead to them walking away from the debate — a clear victory for you !
Know your facts
Do not state that something is “true” — unless you’re absolutely sure that it is. Also be prepared to prove it, if necessary. It’s incredibly annoying to debate a topic with a person who is simply making up their arguments on the fly. You wouldn’t like it if people did that to you — so don’t do it to others. Only engage in a debate that you know you can win based on actual facts.
Know when to give up
If you have all the facts to back you up, you should be able to win any argument — if your opponent is willing to be honest. However, there will be times when your opponent gets the better of you, and they corner you. When this happens, just concede the win, and you should always be grateful in defeat. Nothing is worse than a person who argues simply for the sake of it, and refuses to give in. Let’s face it, debating is a part of life. From negociating difficult deals at work, to dealing with heated emotional conflicts at home.
Thankfully, now you have some useful tactics that will give you the upper hand, and help you win any arguments.
