Winning Arguments?

Forget everything you know, or think you know about arguing for a second, and try to comprehend all of this stuff I am about to tell you.

When most people think about arguments, they are probably thinking of the Jersey Shore, housewives of new jersey, or that one dramatic girl in math class that won't shut the fuck up!
Yeah, there is always that.

Well, that isn't an argument, that is more like a shouting match. It's fun to watch, but it gets literally NOTHING done. True argument takes a well-thought out idea of a debatable topic - a topic in which a reasonable person can disagree..

Examples: Religion, science, Internet in classrooms, pledge of allegiance, lawsuits, who is the best actor, who is the best guy in PIMD (Me)

Every single one of those except for the last one are debatable topics, because of the fact that everyone draws opinions. Sure, immature people will take it out of hand and be like, "OH MY GOD RELIGION IS SO FAKE I HATE YOU SHUT UP."
Dude, shouting match.
Nobody wants to deal with your crap.
"Religion, I don't find that topic believable. I don't see how any of that stuff works. It is as if the whole idea just came out of some old guy's head."
You are much more likely to get a response that is more appropriate, and more well thought out, than the "OMG SHUT UPP LIKE SERIOUSLY" type deal. It's unnecessary, and unsanitary for your mind. You're polluting yourself with ignorance if you use the latter.

In an argument, you want to make sure that your position on the topic has merit. You want to make sure people understand your position on your topic, and give enough evidence to support your side of the argument. Don't shout, don't go off-key, and don't bring in other elements.

Acknowledge opposing ideas, if they are strong, you acknowledge their strengths. If your evidence is solid, and your argument is sound, you will be convincing.. Even if you are telling a mouse it is lactose-intolerant.

There are two types of evidence:
Facts and examples.

Facts:
A piece of information that can be verified. Statements that are excepted to be true, and observations are a good way to go about using facts.

Examples:
A specific illustration of a general statement. If you are giving an example, please make sure your illustrious imagination doesn't veer far off from the main topic.
It's in your best interest.

To give a good argumentative response , you should make sure that everything you are saying backs up your point. Do not veer off the course of amazingly great arguing because you want to contradict a thought or bash the other person.
You will cause a shouting match, and when you cause a shouting match, that is when you instantly lose the argument.

Using words like should, should not, and ought to, are good words to use when proving a point.
Although if you can, try to avoid using negatives in your writing.

Rather than saying, "The baseball stadium staff should not go through with their plans." You should say, "The baseball staff should cancel their plans."

Each message you send should have some sort of evidence to support your topic.

Your argument should address and refute (argue against) the opposing argument.
By showing that the opposing argument is weaker, you strengthen your position on that topic.

Please make sure that when you are arguing, you are constantly supporting yourself, so that it doesn't seem like there is a Charlie foxtrot going on in your mind.
If you for some reason decide to switch sides, or move onto another point, just use a simple transition phrase.

A few examples of transitional phrases would be:
However
On the other hand
Finally
Consequentially
To be sure
Nonetheless
Therefore
Thus
In addition
In conclusion
In summary..
..and so on.

Structure

•Make sure you are constantly stating your main point.
•Details and examples support your main point.
•Discuss a second, or however many points you have, if you have one.
•Support your second, or however many points you have.
•At the end of an argument, try to summarize what happened, including the opposing arguments side, so you can go in for the kill and go for the shut down!
•Conclude with your final thoughts on the subject, and claim your trophy.



*****Congratulations!*****
You have won an argument!

If you feel like adding an extra element, or something that may help others prove their points in a much more sophisticated manner, in response to how they prove their points now, do please feel free to post your ideas on this thread.
Personally, I felt this was needed.

Enjoy,
-CJS

 

That wasn't needed.

 

Passion in believing what your side is correct shows you can be a good challenge to the other side..
But..
Being able to argue both sides shows your ability to critically think and debate.