by Bridget Webber

Created on: December 19, 2008   Last Updated: December 29, 2008

Have you ever wondered how it is that certain people are brilliant at getting their own way whereas others fail miserably at this task? The secrets of how to win an argument are infact, there for the taking. They are not a gift bestowed merely upon a few, even though it may sometimes seem that way. They are learnt strategies, often performed unconsciously by those who have had previous success with them, that you can learn too.

Tip One; Don't restrict the other person.

It is a natural response for people to attempt to get out of a situation and to behave negatively if they feel hemmed in. Therefore putting your argument across in a way that may be interpreted as being restrictive will afford a defensive response which is the opposite to that which you want.

Instead, be careful to word your argument in a way which sounds as though you are offering the other person more freedom, rather than less, and they will be more likely to respond in your favor.

Tip Two; Don't be demanding.

A, 'do this or else,' attitude will make the other person put their hackles up and get ready for a fight to win the argument themselves. Being over-pushy can make you seem desperate and tyrannical.

Instead be calm and adopt a more logical approach which doesn't push the other person into a corner.

Tip Three; Be Factual.

If you want to persuade anyone to agree with you then it will be detrimental to base the information that you are to use in your argument on your imagination.

Instead, find out the facts around the argument in question and be prepared to sound knowledgeable.

Tip Four; Be consistent.

If you chop and change the points in your argument you will come across as confused and weak.

Try sticking to definite ideas and be sure to come across as confidant about what you are saying.

Tip Five; Believe.

To really sway an argument your way you must really believe in what you have to say. If you are unsure or unsteady in your delivery of chosen points your wavering will be regarded as meaning that you dont have a solid argument.

Only deliver information in your argument that you will stand by and which you feel strongly about.

Tip Six; Passion.

Just as with any form of public speaking an argument needs a little passion injected into it in order to arouse others enthusiasm. Delivering what you have to say in a monotone voice in the fashion of a wet weekend will hardly be inspirational.

Give your argument some energy by being enthusiastic about what you have to say.

Tip Seven; Make your argument fit in.

If

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