Think Again: 5: Dances with Foes

How to Win Debates. Here are my notes from reading the 5th chapter in Adam Grant’s Think Again book.

• Great story about Harish Natarajan debating a computer used throughout the chapter.
• Map out common ground before debating or negotiating
• Few reasons to support the case usually works
• Rarely go on the offense or defense; instead try curiosity
• Use questions 1 for every 5 statement
• Start debate my emphasizing common ground
• Think of the opponent’s strongest argument. (Steel Man) vs Straw man.
• Accept the other’s point as valid.
• Don’t come on too strong
• Factors on what style to use: How much people care about the issue, How open they are to the idea. How strong willed they are.
• Too many reasons can backfire in certain situations, and how they fit together.
• Too many reasons can made defenses go up.
• Quality, quantity and source matters.
• You can persuade yourself by hearing a question.
• When someone is hostile, respond by viewing as a dance. With sidesteps to have a conversation about the conversation. The more anger and hostility they express you could increase your curiosity and interest. Remain tranquil to understand what they don’t believe about the data your presenting.
• Think like a scientist and use the argument to learn about your debating style to change next time.
• Comment about your feeling and test your understanding of the other person’s feelings.
• Express moderate confidence
• Ask questions rather than thinking for the audience.