How to Argue: Powerfully, Persuasively, Positively
Jonathan Herring
Language: English
Pages: 224
ISBN: 0132980932
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
The ability to persuade, influence and convince is a vital skill for success in work and life. However, most of us have little idea how to argue well. Indeed, arguing is still seen by many as something to be avoided at all costs, and mostly it's done poorly, or not at all. Yet it's possibly the most powerful and yet most neglected asset you could have. Discover the art of arguing powerfully, persuasively and positively and you'll have a head start every time you want to:
- Get your point across effectively
- Persuade other people to your way of thinking
- Keep your cool in a heated situation
- Win people over
- Get what you want
- Tackle a difficult person or topic
- Be convincing and articulate
- Have great confidence when you speak
In How to Argue, leading lawyer Jonathan Herring reveals the secrets and subtleties of making your case and winning hearts and minds. At home or at work, you'll be well equipped to make everything you say have the desired effect, every time.
with the bodies of slain straw men. Straw women seem rarely to face attack. It can be a powerful rhetorical tool to pick on a particularly weak argument that could be used by the other side and ridicule it. Consider this example: “I read yesterday an article from my opponent’s party arguing we should raise taxes so that we can spend money on improving Buckingham Palace. Well, I think the Queen can well afford to look after her own building rather than calling on the downtrodden taxpayers of
get. Today it’s not your turn for a toy, but if you are good, we’ll think about getting you another toy soon.” General principles for children There are some important general rules in relation to children: • Don’t use corporal punishment. Most of the experts in the field (including pediatricians, social workers and academics) believe that corporal punishment is ineffective and harmful. • Stay calm. Yelling at your child might sometimes be effective in getting a short-term goal, but in
far more likely to be effective than saying, “I feel you should reimburse this charge.” You want to keep on good terms with the person you’re talking to, even if you’re in dispute with their company. • Try to be positive. “Your company has provided excellent service in the past. I’m really pleased with your product, but there’s no getting away from the fact that it was late. Don’t you agree that the lateness of delivery was well below the standard that you normally achieve?” Be reasonable
one. If you are entitled to $10 back, accepting $10 off your next order may not be a good deal at all. Only accept a “money back off next purchase” offer if you will definitely use it, and only if it is more than you think you will get in terms of a straightforward refund. Making proposals that seem to evolve from the conversation rather than as a demand from you may make the request for compensation more attractive. * * * Useful example “Well, I wonder if we can agree on the following.
your fingertips is crucial. There should be no shame in saying: “I need to think through the issues a bit more before giving you my opinion. Let’s talk about this tomorrow.” It may be that in the course of the argument information was presented that you did not know about. Again it may be best to take a break. You may need to go away and read the study the other person was talking about or get some more figures. Are you emotionally ready? Arguing well requires time, attention and effort.