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 you present your argument in such a way that alienates you from the other person then they will begin to resist your point of view.
A sure fire way to get another person on your side is to let them know that you are more like them than different from them and that your argument follows their own belief system.
Tip Eight; Be clear.
If the other person doesn't understand what you are talking about then they will dismiss your ideas straight away. You may have exactly what you want clearly defined in your own head, but you need to get this across in a way that the other person can comprehend too.
Offer a definite plan and direction for actions. Let them know what is to be done and how this can be implemented.
Tip Nine; Don't be Pompous.
Everyone cant wait to get away from the guy who gives the impression that he knows more than anyone else. They wont want to stick around to be persuaded by your argument if you attempt to bamboozle them with your knowledge and expertise while disregarding what they have to say.
State your facts but remember to listen to the other person and to let them know that you understand their point of view.
Tip Ten; A win/win situation.
The very best way to win an argument is to clearly show how the other person will also get something positive out of the situation if they choose to follow your plan.
Take a look at what you are proposing and make sure that it includes positive elements that will benefit those who you want on your side.