Thought 5 (Making an Argument)

By Dawn Good

Thought 5 (Making an Argument)

Arguments are an important part of everyday life and it is an enjoyable and well worthwhile consumption of time if and only if it is done properly. When it is done properly the loser doesn't lose, he agrees to your views and positions on the topic. The winner, well, he feels positively on cloud nine-ish. In my day I have seen countless arguments where the winner is not actually the winner and the loser is only more adamant about his case. I have also seen arguments where the loser merely gives up. This is not a win. An argument in order to be won has to result in both parties agreeing upon on one of the sides shown at the beginning of the argument or an entirely new and compromised view. In order to do this, even before the argument is started you must confer as to whether the argument is worth having. If it is worth having both parties have strong views and they have enough key points to make it worthwhile. Sometimes arguments during this conferring process can be resolved into a compromised view while reviewing your key points in the argument. If this doesn't happen, as it rarely does, you must make sure you have a good handle on where the other side is coming from. If you know what their argument is going to consist of, then you are more prepared for accurate rebuttals. Finally is the delivery, you must be firm but understanding enough to give them the impression that they are winning and thus giving you the opportunity to win. You must pay close attention to your timing and the direction of their defense. If they rely strongly on one point of evidence, you must spend your time not proving yours, but disproving theirs. Save your most important piece of evidence until the end when they may be more open to your view of things. Make sure the delivery of your evidence, especially the most important one is accurate, it could cost you the argument. Also, If you cannot comply with these guidelines, kindly refrain from arguing and making a fool of yourself. I'm thinking of you in these matters. Oh yes, one last point and probably the most important, speak calmly and without malice towards the opposing party. If you do you are less likely to make a mistake and lose the argument. Good luck and happy arguing.

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