subject: 5 Sneaky Tricks People Exploit To Win Arguments [print this page] 5 Sneaky Tricks People Exploit To Win Arguments
Do you remember the last time you lost an argument? You may have wondered what your opponent did that swung the argument in his or her favor. In this article, I'll be sharing 5 sneaky tricks that people exploit to win arguments against us.
1. Provoke You
He who loses his temper loses the argument. When we are angry, our judgment is clouded and it is less likely that our statements will make sense since we are getting emotional. By provoking or humiliating us, our opponent swings the argument in his or her favor as our argument starts to lose credibility when we become more emotional.
2. Distract You From Your Main Point
A common trick that people use to win arguments is to distract you from your main point. They will throw in other topics and issues or change the subject if you are gaining the upper hand. If you're not careful, you may start going off track and talk about a totally unrelated issue while your opponent regains the upper hand in the argument.
3. Use Your Words Against You
Think carefully before you make a statement. If you reveal any flaws in your arguments or have a slip of the tongue, your opponent could use it against you. Hence, it is important to speak slowly but firmly. Doing so gives you ample time to think as you speak and also makes you sound more confident and convincing.
4. Using Humor To Humiliate You
If executed correctly, this could greatly damage the credibility of your argument and shatter your chances of winning the argument. In fact, this is a rather effective way to win the audience over during a debate.
5. Harping On Points Where They're Right
A clever trick that people exploit to win arguments is by only focusing their argument on points where both parties have agreed upon or points which are valid. By harping on these points, they make their overall argument seem stronger while neglecting the weaker side of their stand. Thus, there is a lesser chance that their stand will be rebutted and they gain the upper hand in the argument.
