Process Essay - How to Win an Argument

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Process Essay - How to Win an Argument

To win an argument one must keep in mind the following factors: Is the argument

worth fighting? Do you have the proper background to win the argument? Who is

your opponent? And finally, do I have the proper argumentative behavior.

Before getting involved in an argument, you must decide whether or not it is

even worth fighting. Does the subject at hand have any interest to you, does it

make a difference if you win or lose. An argument about Jackie Gleson's weight

at death, or the amount of torque output in a 1976 Ford Pinto, probably doesn't

make much difference to anyone and isn't very interesting. Not getting involved

is probably the best way to go. However if the argument will decide who gets the

best parking spot at school, or whether you have one week or one month to

write an essay, you may want to consider getting into the dispute. If fighting

arguments is just an “ego boost” or hobby, then disregard the above.

The next item to take into consideration is your background on the topic. You

should never enter an argument you have no information about, because it will

only end in “your mother is a .....” insults. In a factual argument, it is

helpful if the truth is on your side, but as we've learned from our politicians,

it is not necessary. However, if the truth does eventually get out you may end

up looking like a fool. In a multi-sided argument, an argument which is not

dealing in absolute truths, but rather different opinions, it is preferable to

believe in the side you for which you are arguing, but isn't necessary if your

background is strong enough. In simpler terms, don't get into an argument you

know “nothin” about.

It is important to know with whom you are arguing. If you are in a relationship

(guy - girl), and you are the guy, give up now you can't win. The laws of nature

are against you. If you are the girl in the relationship, you don't need advise.

It doesn't matter if you are right or wrong you've won. Just act upset or let

out a few tears and he'll crumble.

However if you are involved in a same sex, or non relationship bound, argument

the game plan is much different. You must have background information, as

discussed earlier, as well as a knowledge of your opponent. If he has no insight

into the subject and you do, then the upper hand is yours.

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