Practicing your persuasion skills will help you in business or personal relationships. Learning to make solid arguments, present those arguments, and understand the people you're arguing with will allow you to convince anyone, whether you're trying to convince a client to buy or convincing your parents to let you out until late on the weekend. Read the guide below for more information.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Good Arguments
Step 1. Understand the topic
Make sure you understand the topic you're discussing and your own point of view, whether it's about subjective issues like which is better between Goodfellas and the Godfather or when you're trying to convince your parents to let you out all night, or debates about moral issues, such as the death penalty. Do some research and don't make unnecessary and unproven assumptions.
If you are selling something, such as a car, you need to know the specifications and advantages of the car you are selling. In addition, you also need to study other cars sold in the market to find out what is different from the car you are selling and make it the best choice
Step 2. Find out the scope of the discussion
For some arguments, you need to know more than facts. Don't waste time discussing whether the Eiffel is a beautiful tower or not if you really want to say it's iconic. Figure out the scope of your discussion, then prepare arguments based on that.
For example, if you want to convince yourself that the Statue of Liberty is more beautiful than the Eiffel Tower, you'll need to understand architecture and aesthetics to discuss that, as well as facts about both, who designed them, and other criteria needed to build an argument
Step 3. Develop your rationale
Making a good argument is a bit like building a table--you want your main points to be well supported by valid reasons and evidence, just as a table is supported by its legs. If you don't have strong, factual reasons or supporting evidence, your argument will be easily debunked. Like writing an essay or thesis, you must explain the main points you want to convey and provide supporting evidence and facts to support them.
If your main argument is “modern art is boring”, find a reason for that statement. Are you basing that argument on the fact that modern art is easy to imitate? Is it because modern art is too popular? Make the right reasons and facts to make your argument stronger
Step 4. Reinforce your reasoning with clear examples and evidence
You need to use memorable and memorable details to explain your argument. If you're trying to convince someone that The Beatles are the greatest band of all time, you're going to have a hard time if you don't even know the name of an album you like, or don't listen to their music to make general references when arguing.
Step 5. Give up a little to win the argument
Accepting a less important point from the other person and then showing that you can change his mind and stay open if there are more precise facts will make the other person more open to accepting your arguments and point of view. If you are willing to concede some points in the argument to win the argument as a whole, then you will be in a stronger position.
The difference between discussion and argument is that arguments can progress beyond rationality and originate from the ego. One or both parties in an argument don't want to be called wrong and that will make both of them exchange views to make their argument recognized
Method 2 of 3: Presenting Arguments
Step 1. Be confident and assertive
If you have built a strong argument along with supporting facts and evidence, then what you need to do next is to convey it confidently and convincingly because it will make your argument stronger.
- Being assertive doesn't mean being overly aggressive and arrogant. Believe in your arguments, but remain open to alternatives.
- Think of yourself as an expert in the field you are going to tell by using good examples and solid reasons, so that what you say is easy to believe. To make sure that your perspective on The Beatles is correct, you must first sound very good at music.
Step 2. Make your argument more personal
Anecdotal evidence is usually not a valid supporting example. But sharing an anecdote that provokes empathy can help you convince the other person. The anecdote may prove nothing, but it may be convincing enough.
If you want to convince someone that the death penalty is wrong, try to touch the moral conscience of the other person, and indirectly make an emotional argument. Look for stories about people who were wrongly arrested and should be sentenced to death, then tell the story in the right tone to emphasize the low human value of the death penalty
Step 3. Calm down
Talking nonstop like crazy is a bad way to convince other people. Be confident in the arguments, reasons, evidence, and supporting examples you have prepared, and the point of view you have. That way you can say things calmly and confidently, because you're sure you're right.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding the Opponent
Step 1. Be still and listen
The person who talks the most doesn't always win the argument or convince the other person. Learning to listen carefully is a method that is rarely used in an argument. While it doesn't seem like an active way to convince the other person, listening to the other person to understand the other person's point of view will help you convince the other person of the alternative. Understand the arguments, goals, motivations and beliefs of the other person.
Step 2. Speak politely
Maintain eye contact, use an appropriate and balanced tone of voice with him, and remain calm while speaking. Throw in questions if any and listen to him when he's talking. Don't cut him off while he's talking and hasn't finished.
Mutual respect for each other is very important. You won't be able to convince others if they don't value you. So, respect your interlocutor, that way you will also be appreciated by him
Step 3. Know the goals and motivations of the other person
If you know what the other person wants, then you can find a solution for that desire. Once you know the motive behind the argument and its point of view, adjust the way your argument is presented so that the other person understands and accepts it.
The argument as to whether people should own guns may actually focus more on issues of personal freedom and responsibility. So, it would be better to address the issue than to be too specific about firearm licenses. Ask the other person if he or she is aware of some of the facts you are seeing
Step 4. Earn his trust
Emphasize and relate your argument to his point of view. Acknowledge some of the points he makes if he's right, but you should still try to change his overall point of view. If you can provide undeniable facts, evidence, and logic, you can convince the other person and he will admit that he agrees with your point of view if you present it politely and nicely.
Tips
- To convince someone, you have to believe in your own arguments. If you're trying to convince someone to lie, you have to be able to lie to yourself first. Don't show the slightest bit of hesitation because when you appear doubtful, no one will believe you, but if you believe in your argument, then you will be able to convey it with conviction.
- Don't force people to change their minds. Do so by presenting logical facts and evidence.
- Always be friendly and respectful of others, even if the other person doesn't want to change their mind.
- A belief can fade. A day or two days or a week after you convince someone of something, that person may return to their old beliefs.
- Maintain eye contact and give reasonable arguments.
- To maintain eye contact with the crowd, look each other in the eye in turn while still presenting your argument.
- Be polite.
- Wear matching clothes that make you look convincing.
- Always be confident and confident. Look the other person in the eye and present a sound argument. Even if his thoughts don't change, you should remain polite, and keep your head down.
- Buy and read books on sales techniques.
Warning
- Some people will never change their point of view or beliefs, and that is their right. So, appreciate that.
- If someone seems biased, ask reasonable questions that will make them doubt their own beliefs. After that, just release your opinions and arguments. However, he is the one who decides whether he trusts you or not.
- If the other person doesn't agree with you, don't argue. Use logic and clear examples to explain why he should believe your argument.
