How to Win an Argument

Co-authored by Liana Georgoulis, PsyD

Last Updated: January 24, 2023 References

Getting into an argument can be an extremely stressful experience. You can get so focused on "winning" that you forget to actually listen to the other person. Staying calm, taking a break before continuing, and delivering your arguments in a calm, rational matter (instead of screaming, or yelling, or crying) can make all the difference. While there's no guarantee that you'll win an argument, you will come across well and maybe carry that over into future successful arguments.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Expressing Yourself Appropriately

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Stay calm. A key to winning an argument is staying calm. The angrier and more upset you get the harder it will be for you to get your point across effectively.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Expert Interview. 6 September 2018.} This takes practice, but the better rein you can keep on your temper, the easier it will be for you to argue effectively.^{[2]
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Research source}
- If that isn't possibly, however, remember to breathe while you're having the argument. It can be tempting to get out your words as quickly and as loudly as possible, but the more time you take to say what you need to say, the more calmly you come across.
- Keep your body language open and not defensive. You can use your body to trick your brain into being easier. Don't cross your arms across your chest; keep them loose at your sides or use them to help make your point.
- Don't raise your voice. Work to keep your voice even. If you are a crier when you're upset or angry, work on your breathing. Breathe in for a certain number of counts (like 4) and then breathe out for an extra 2 counts (like 6). This will help keep you calmer.
2
Let go of the need to have the last word. Before you get into a big conflict, remember that you aren't always going to get to have the last word, even if you're right. Be content with arguing your case well and effectively, even if it doesn't change the other person's mind. This will mean that the argument doesn't go on and on, as each side refuses to let the other have the last word.^{[3]
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- Getting in one last jab can actually be quite damaging, if you have a relationship with the person you're arguing with (and even if not, people talk and it might do you more harm in the long run). If the argument has gotten to a finished point, both sides have discussed their views and there's nothing more to say, just let it go.
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3
Take a time out. It's best to do this before you get into the argument, so that you and the other person have a chance to take a deep breath and get your arguments sorted out.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Expert Interview. 6 September 2018.} It can help you to create some space around the issue or the issues being dealt with.
- You can do this with your partner, your boss, a friend, etc. When an issue comes up that causes friction between the two of you, ask them for some space and time to think it over. Then set a specific time to address the problem.
- For example: you and your partner get into an argument about whose turn it is to do the dishes, which subsequently leads to you accusing your partner of not doing an equal share of housework (a common problem). Say to them "Hey, I think this is something we really need to discuss, but I'd like a little time to cool down and talk about it calmly. Can we get back to this tomorrow after work?" Then, you take that time to put down your reasons for feeling the way you do, give some specific examples, and provide a possible solution.
- This can also be a good time to decide whether the argument is actually worth having. Sometimes things that blow up in the moment, turn out to be really nothing when you get a chance to step back and see it clearly.
4
Be open to hearing other person's side. Usually when you're having an argument there is no one right side. Usually, there are simply two alternate viewpoints, and alternate interpretations. You will need be open to their versions and their examples, even if you ultimately don't agree. They may (and probably will) make some good points.^{[5]
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- For example: you and your boss get into an argument about your boss's treatment of you (you feel like he's bullying you and saying incredibly hurtful things). He maintains that your attitude has been the problem. Now, think back. Maybe your attitude has made things worse (instead of confronting him immediately about his behavior, you took a more passive aggressive route). Admitting your own culpability will take the wind of his sails, because you will be acknowledging your part in the problem, while still explaining how your behavior was linked to and triggered by his.
- Examine your knee-jerk reaction (this is why having a time out to think things over is so useful). What you may immediately believe might not be true (for example if someone offers up evidence or argument that challenges your worldview). Try to do some research with reputable sources before you start shouting loudly about how right you are.
- There will be a few times in your life where you will enter into a conversation with someone who is dead wrong (usually when it comes to things like discussions on racism, or sexism, etc.). You won't win this argument, because the other person will almost never be able to let go of their view of the world (i.e. that racism or sexism don't exist). Don't engage this person.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

During the Argument

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Build positive intention. To have an argument end well, especially end well in your favor, you need to convince the other person that you have their best interest throughout the argument. If you feel that the argument will serve some purpose in your relationship with the other person, they will sense that and you will have a better chance of getting your point across.^{[6]
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- Before you get into the argument remind yourself why you care about this person and about the relationship you have with them (it could be as simple as "they are my boss and I'm going to need their good will some day" to "this is my daughter who I care about very much and am concerned about some of the decisions she's been making lately.")
- This doesn't mean that you need to be condescending. Never say things like "I'm only saying this for your own good" or "I'm only trying to make you a better person." You are going to completely shut down the other person.
2
Be present to the moment. Being present means you recognize what is going on with you, instead of trying to race ahead to the moment that the argument is over. It means that you don't just get louder and louder with hearing what the other person has to say and thinking it over. It means paying attention to the other person's feelings and arguments.
- Try to avoid having an argument in a crowded place where you both will be easily distracted. Don't have this sort of discussion when you're going to be interrupted by phone calls and text alerts (best to turn your phone off or put it on silent).
- Name what is happening to you. This means that when your heart starts to race and your palms get all sweaty you name what is happening (you're anxious because you're afraid this argument will cause your wife to leave you, etc.).
3
Lay out your points. The more clear and more specific your points are, the easier it will be to get your side of things across to the other person. You really don't want to make vague generalizations like "you never help out around the house," because inevitably they will come with that one time they did help and won't be able to hear you.^{[7]
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- The more specific the better: if you're fighting with your boss, for example, offer up specific instances of the times when he bullied you and how that made you feel (tearing you down in front of other people, calling you names, things he's said behind your back to other people, etc).
- This is why when something becomes an issue in a relationship (any relationship) you should document it, so that you can show that it's a pattern rather than an isolated incident.
- If you're arguing politics, or religion, etc. make sure you know what you're talking about. You will need to bring specific facts to play and avoid logical fallacies (discussed below). Remember, particularly when it comes to these types of subjects, people find it very hard to stay calm and give a rational account of their views.
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Listen. You will need to really listen to the other person and consider their views.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Expert Interview. 6 September 2018.} An argument contains two (or more) people who have differing views on something. Very rarely is one person completely wrong and the other completely right. To win an argument you have to make sure that the other person feels they have been heard and their arguments assessed.
- When the other person is making their points, make sure to look them in the eye and really listen to what they are saying. Don't start formulating your next argument, until they've said what they need to say.
- If you find yourself distracted or unclear, ask clarifying questions so that you make sure you understand their point.
- This is why it's a good idea to have an argument in place without distractions, so that you make sure you can focus exclusively on them. If you can't choose the place, Try to find an out-of-the-way corner and that you aren't having the argument under the eyes of everyone around you.
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Manage your reactions. In the midst of an argument it can be really easy to let the argument get to you. You'll find yourself getting upset and, maybe, angry. That's perfectly normal, but the best thing to do is to Try to keep your calm by making sure you're breathing all the way into your belly.
- Sometimes it can be good to tell the other person how you're feeling. Say something like "I'm sorry, but I find the assertion you made that I'm lazy extremely upsetting. What have I done that makes you believe I'm lazy?"
- NEVER resort to name-calling or physical violence. These are incredibly harmful and abusive behaviors and there is literally no reason ever to use either of these tactics (the only place violence is allowed is if someone has physical hurt you and you are in fear for your life; get away from them as quickly as possible).
- You should also avoid treating the other person like an idiot (no matter what you think) by talking down to them, being extremely sarcastic, mimicking what they say, or laughing when they express their concerns.
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Avoid certain phrases. There are some phrases that seem just designed to irritate people. If you're wanting to have a real argument (rather than just trying to tear someone down, or impose your viewpoint on them), you'll avoid these like the plague.^{[9]
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Harvard Business Review
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- "At the end of the day..." This phrases is basically meaningless, but it has the ability to make your opponent want to punch you in the face.
- "To play devil's advocate..." People who use this phrase like to think that they're above things like listening to other people (they pretend to, but really all the want to do is impose their viewpoint [usually the devil's advocate viewpoint]) on the other person. Either that, or they want to derail the conversation.
- "Whatever..." If you're trying to have an argument with someone and you or the other person keeps saying "whatever" to the points being made, you aren't engaging respectfully and need to postpone the argument to another time, or indefinitely.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Logical Fallacies

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Understand logical fallacies. These are certain arguments that you make that undermine your argument because they are based on faulty reasoning. If you find yourself relying on logical fallacies to convince your opponent, then you should reconsider your argument.^{[10]
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University of North Carolina Writing Center
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- This is why it's a good idea to have an idea what you want to say before you say it. This way you can see if there are any holes or fallacies in your argument.
- If you notice that the person you're arguing with is using a logical fallacy, point that out. You could say, for example, "You said that 70% of people don't support gay marriage, but you could have said that about slavery a hundred years ago. Are you sure you want to base your argument on that?"
2
Avoid employing a straw man. This type of fallacy shows up a lot. This is when you basically oversimplify your opponent's argument and then argue against the argument you say they're making, rather than the one they are actually making (aka why listening is so incredibly important).^{[11]
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- An example of this would be saying that "all feminists hate men" and then arguing against that instead of addressing the concerns feminists have about equality between the sexes (ignoring the wage gap, gendered violence, research that shows that men tend to dominate discussions).
- This type of argument derails the conversation so that the other person (or you) is forced to keep explaining that your viewpoint is more complicated than "you never do anything right" to your partner.
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Avoid moral equivalence. This fallacy is where you compare minor misdeeds with major atrocities. It happens all the time in the political sphere and is something you should avoid using, because it will only irritate the person you're arguing with and make them even less likely to want to hear your viewpoint.^{[12]
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Purdue Online Writing Lab
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- An example is comparing Obama (or George W. Bush, or whoever) to Hitler. This basically means saying that someone who is doing something you may not agree with is actually at all similar to someone who orchestrated the most horrific wholesale slaughter of entire groups of people. Unless someone is setting up systematic genocide, don't compare them to Hitler.
- If your arguments rely on moral equivalence you should rethink what you're actually arguing.
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Really avoid ad hominem attacks. This is basically where you attack someone based on their appearance or their character rather than arguing with their opinions. Women, especially, get the brunt of this sort of attack on their physical appearance regardless of the arguments they are making.^{[13]
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- For example, if you were arguing with your mother, calling her stupid or crazy, has nothing to do with her arguments and everything to do with her character.
- These types of attacks will only make the person you're arguing with even more unlikely to hear your sides of things. If the other person is attacking you in this way, call their attention towards it, or leave the argument (often the people who attack you personally are not going to be open to hearing your side of things).
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Don't fall into the ad populum fallacy. This fallacy is one that appeals to the emotions, speaking only about the "positive" and the "negative" concepts rather than actually touching on the real arguments. This is another one that is used all the time in the political sphere.^{[14]
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- An example of ad populum: "If you don't support the Iraq war, you aren't a true American (you're a terrorist)." By saying something like this you aren't discussing the true problem, whether or not the Iraq war was justified, you're calling into question the patriotism of the dissenters, which is basically useless and means nothing.
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Don't use the slippery slope fallacy. This is a huge one that is constantly used in all different spheres: political, personal, social. It can sound really convincing, but it won't stand up to scrutiny. It basically bases a conclusion on the idea that if A happens, then following a small series of steps (B, C, D...) X,Y, Z will happen as well. The fallacy equates A with Z, saying that not doing A will mean that Z won't happen.^{[15]
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- For example: Any restrictions on who can buy guns in the U.S. means that the government wants to take away all your rights. The A that happens is some gun restrictions , the Z that happens is that the government takes away everyone's rights. A will not actually directly lead to Z (there would have to be a huge number of steps taken along the way).
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Avoid the hasty generalization. This is a conclusion that is based on very little, or faulty, or biased information. You make this when you rush to a conclusion, or argument, without gathering all the facts first.^{[16]
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Purdue Online Writing Lab
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- For example: Your new girlfriend hates me, even though I've only had one interaction with her. The problem here is that you've only met the new girlfriend once. She could have been shy, she could have been having a bad day. You don't have enough evidence to decide that the new girlfriend hates you.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I win an argument against my dad? We sometimes argue, but end up getting stressed over small things.

Community Answer

Keep your points clear and truthful, and use evidence when you can. Remain calm during your discussion, and if you feel your emotions keep you from doing so, take a break and return to the argument.
Question

A girl who I call almost daily has an argument waiting for me, and whenever I use proof, she just says it's not true. When I show her proof on a video she just says im showing off. What do I do?

Community Answer

Why do you call someone daily who is ready to argue with you regardless of your response? Are you a glutton for punishment? Call someone more compatible and polite.
Question

How do you argue with someone making fun of you?

Nizz358

Community Answer

Tell them to stop because it's offending you. Ask them how they would feel if the same was happening to them.

Warnings

Don't get into an argument over social media, whether it's through Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc. No one ever wins those arguments and the people who start them tend to be trolls.

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Remember, that this article can only give you tips for ways to make it more likely that you'll win an argument. It can't guarantee that you actually will.

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