Never Win an Argument?

Fed up with never winning an argument? 
1/04/2005

Maybe you’re just not doing it right … try following these steps, from The Mind Gym, published by Time Warner Books: 

• Listen to what the other person is saying first, and don’t interrupt when they are putting forward their case.
  
• Make your opponent feel good about themselves. Pay them compliments but be subtle about it. 
  
•  Find out why they disagree with you. If you can get to the bottom of that, you might be able to meet their real needs in another way, and more easily convince them to do things your way. 
  
•  Ask questions. Your opponent is much more like to change his mind if he’s doing the talking – and that will also give you an opportunity to work out your next step. 
  
•  Don’t rely on logic. If possible, link how you feel with the other person’s values or aspirations.