2. THE DEBATE
Debating should be both a joy and an education. A certain proposition is stated,
and its accuracy is established by a logical sequence of facts.
Each one will be involved in a debate or argument, and his or her readiness to
face opposing positions will determine the success or failure of the defense of his
or her own position.
Of course you would be happy never to argue at all. Unfortunately, this is a
crowded and disputatious world, and there will come times when we must argue
or debate in meetings with colleagues or one-on-one with peers.
A good debater must marshal his facts, condense his remarks, express himself
clearly and deliver his case with conviction. Here are some useful suggestions to
use to win a debate or argument:
A. Decide your purpose
The main reason we argue is to win a point--to state the case for or against
something so convincingly that we prevail. Other reasons people argue are to
work off aggressions or to clarify an issue or problem. Even if your only goal is to
win an argument, there are various refinements of an argument’s purpose that
need to be determined:
a. Winning at once vs. winning in the long run
b. Winning as a matter of cold logic vs. winning the audience.
Deciding your goal in advance will help you plan your argument’s strategy.
B. Size up the opposition
An important factor to consider at the outset of any argument is the precise
nature of the opponent--his general attitude, current mood, strengths and
weaknesses. This is true whether the opponent is your brother-in-law, your
employer or a rival.
Don’t assume that just because you like your opponent, your opponent will like
you. Pay attention to his general attitude toward the subject−and his attitude
toward you personally.
a. Toward the subject. Is he passionately concerned or rather indifferent?
b. Toward you. Is he an old and implacable foe? A friend who merely needs
guidance? A thoroughly professional adversary? If your opponent’s
weakness is inferior factual information, you can take advantage of that
flaw.
One danger you must guard against is overwhelming your opponent so
thoroughly that the people you are hoping to sway will be sympathetic toward
him. Another danger is creating ill will with your opponent and damaging your
relationship.
C. Marshal relevant facts
If you are going to argue, be prepared. The mistake most people make is to rush
into an argument without being sufficiently sure of the facts for the position they
are taking. The competent arguer analyses the structure of his case and knows
all of the factual data available to support his position. It will automatically tell him
what the weak points of his own case are.
A competent arguer is entitled to feel certain serenity before the argument even
begins. The argument he plans to make is one he fully understands, and he is
prepared for his opponent’s conduct.
D. Invoke a principle
To win an argument, you must either demonstrate that your position follows from
relevant facts--or demonstrate that your proposition follows from relevant
principles. A principle is based on a general experience that has been enshrined
in some permanent form.
If your opponent invokes a principle, you can attack it by citing extreme
instances, which often reveal intrinsic flaws in principles--or at least demonstrate
significant limitations on their applicability.
E. Ask questions
A question may be asked during an argument for the purpose of gaining more
information . . . (What do you mean by “aggressive”?). Or to narrow a loose
contention . . . (Are you saying it would be wrong . . . or merely that it would be
indiscreet?)
But questions can also be asked during an argument to force some answer--
usually one that is not beneficial to the person being questioned.
Questions can also force a hostile opponent to publicly corroborate negative
information you are fortunate enough to possess–such as the fact that he once
took the position opposing his present one.
Any point can be put in the form of a question–such as, Isn’t it true that . . . As a
result, you will be cast in the role of someone innocently seeking enlightenment.
Questions should be shaped to compel a desirable response or at the very least
to avoid an undesirable one.
F. Make eye contact
Displays of emotion–such as humor, pity and anger–can be used to maximize
the effect of a point. One of the most powerful physical advantages you have is
eye contact. Looking directly into a person’s eyes suggests simplicity and
sincerity.
It can also challenge the other person to be completely honest . . . and be used
to hold his attention. Conversely, an unwillingness to make eye contact is usually
a serious disadvantage; it connotes deviousness, guilt and uncertainty.
G. Be courteous
Courtesy is essential and can be demonstrated by your tone of voice, choice of
words and body language. It is important because it makes you seem rational,
gentle and in control.
Courtesy requires that you listen to your opponent for a reasonable time and
keep interruptions to a minimum. The necessary assumption in almost every
argument is that, however wrong he may be, your opponent’s points are worth
examination. If you believe your opponent is frivolous, stupid or evil, then you
shouldn’t be arguing with him at all.
H. Employ understatement
Both overstatement and understatement have exactly the same purpose--to
stress your point. Overstatement accomplishes this by exaggerating it.
Understatement achieves the same effect, but more subtly. It diminishes the
point, leaving it to the listener you wish to persuade to correct the imbalance to
its legitimate proportions.
By contrast, overstatement might lead an audience to feel manipulated and
sympathetic toward the other position. Example: If you don’t agree with me,
our organization will be set back 10 years. In such case, the audience tends
to over correct for the excessive assertion, devaluating the point. What’s more,
the audience may suspect an attempt to deceive.
I. Admit blunders, then move on
When you make a mistake, admit it promptly in as few words as possible. Then
change the subject. Do not try to defend a mistake or ignore it. An unadmitted
mistake is like a wounded man on the battlefield--it requires constant attention
and is in imminent peril.
Besides, a competent arguer will exploit your mistake to the hilt, to your
inevitable and deserved discomfort.
