This article was co-authored by Liana Georgoulis, PsyD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience, and is now the Clinical Director at Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles, California. She received her Doctor of Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2009. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 162,013 times.
If you love a heated debate, you've come to the right place. A vigorous argument can be a thrilling exchange of ideas or end in anger and frustration. The key to coming out on top is to stay even-keeled and in control at all times. We talked to clinical psychologist Liana Georgoulis to find out how you can put a little knowledge of psychology to work for you and ace that argument.
Winning an Argument
- Acknowledge why you're having the argument and what you want to accomplish.
- Plan how you're going to end the argument so the other person can save face.
- Control your emotions and stay calm and even-keeled when responding.
- Pay attention to the people around you so you don't bother them.
- Learn what the other person values so you can tailor your arguments to them.
- Follow your planned exit strategy if things become too heated.
Steps
Community Q&A
- QuestionHow do I win an argument against my dad? We sometimes argue, but end up getting stressed over small things.Community AnswerKeep 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.
- QuestionA 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 AnswerWhy 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.
- QuestionHow do you argue with someone making fun of you?Nizz358Community AnswerTell them to stop because it's offending you. Ask them how they would feel if the same was happening to them.
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/how-win-argument
- ↑ https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/discussion-skills
- ↑ https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2013/12/02/how-to-win-an-argument/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/03/when-an-argument-gets-too-heated-heres-what-to-say
- ↑ https://news.nau.edu/how-to-win-an-argument/
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 6 September 2018.
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 14 April 2021.
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/03/when-an-argument-gets-too-heated-heres-what-to-say
- ↑ https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/discussion-skills
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 6 September 2018.
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/03/when-an-argument-gets-too-heated-heres-what-to-say
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 14 April 2021.
- ↑ https://news.nau.edu/how-to-win-an-argument/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/07/how-to-actually-change-someones-mind
- ↑ https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2013/12/02/how-to-win-an-argument/
- ↑ https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/encouragement-education/reframe-the-debate/main
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-personal-narrative/201906/the-power-perspective-taking
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/03/when-an-argument-gets-too-heated-heres-what-to-say
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/03/when-an-argument-gets-too-heated-heres-what-to-say
About This Article
To win an argument, think before you speak and deliver your arguments in a calm, rational manner. If you find yourself getting upset, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down and keep your voice even when you respond. You should also avoid making vague generalizations like “you never help out around the house,” since these are easy for the other person to brush off. Instead, offer specific points that help the person understand what exactly is upsetting to you. For example, be sure to site particular instances when your roommate didn’t complete their chores or left a big mess in the kitchen. For more tips on winning an argument, like what pitfalls you should avoid when making your points, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
- "Thanks! This has been a great help. I was having trouble with this guy on YouTube who was trying the devil's advocate route on me and this article has been really useful in helping me to stand up to him and argue my case. I appreciate the help!"..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.