Discuss But Don't Argue
There are some personalities that can be labeled as argumentative and that shows
in their behavior and relationships. Arguments can be avoided and a lot of
heartache prevented by being a little careful. The best way to win an argument is to
avoid it. An argument is one thing you will never win. If you win, you lose; if you
lose, you lose. If you win an argument but lose a good job, customer, friend or
marriage, what kind of victory is it? Pretty empty. Arguments result from inflated
ego. Arguing is like fighting a losing battle. Even if one wins, the cost may be
more than the victory is worth. Emotional battles leave a residual ill will even if
you win. In an argument, both people are trying to have the last word. Argument is
nothing more than a battle of egos and results in a yelling contest. A bigger fool
than the one who knows it all is the one who argues with him.
Is It worth It?
The more arguments you win, the fewer friends you have. Even if you are right, is
it worth arguing? The answer is pretty obvious. A big no. Does that mean one
should never bring up a point? One should, but gently and tactfully by saying
something neutral such as "based on my information . . ." If the other person is
argumentative, even if you can prove him wrong, is it worth it? I don't think so. Do
you make your point a second time? I wouldn't. Why? Because the argument is
coming from a closed mind trying to prove who is right rather than what is right.
For example, at a social get-together, especially after a few drinks, someone may
say authoritatively, "The current year's export figures are $50 billion." You happen
to know that his information is incorrect and the right figure is $45 billion. You
read it in the paper that morning or you heard it on the radio on the way to the gettogether and you have a bulletin in your car to substantiate it. Do you make your
point? Yes, by saying, "My information is that the export figure is $45 billion." The
other person reacts, "You don't know what you are talking about. I know exactly
what it is and it is $50 billion." At this point, you have several choices:
1. Make your point again and start an argument.
2. Run and bring the bulletin from your car and make sure you prove him wrong.
3. Avoid it.
4. Discuss but don't argue.
The right choice is number 3 only. If one wants to accomplish great things in life
one has to practice maturity. Maturity means not getting entangled in unimportant
things and petty arguments. What is the Difference Between an Argument and a
Discussion?
An argument throws heat; a discussion throws light.
One stems from ego and a closed mind whereas the other comes from an
open mind.
An argument is an exchange of ignorance whereas a discussion is an
exchange of knowledge.
An argument is an expression of temper whereas a discussion is an
expression of logic.
An argument tries to prove who is right whereas a discussion tries to prove
what is right.
It is not worthwhile to reason with a prejudiced mind; it wasn't reasoned into
him so you can't reason it out. A narrow mind and a big mouth usually lead
to interesting but pointless arguments.
In order to discuss, let the other person state his side of the case without
interruption. Let him blow steam. Don't try to prove him wrong on every point.
Never let him drag you to his level. Treat him with courtesy and respect; that will
confuse him.
Regardless of the cause, the best way to diffuse the situation is to:
1. Give a patient hearing.
2. Not fight back or retaliate that--will confuse the other person because he was
expecting a fight.
3. Not expect an apology. For some people, apologizing is difficult even if they
have made a mistake.
4. Not make issues out of petty matters.
Discussion entails not only saying the right thing at the right time but also leaving
unsaid what need not be said. Children should be taught the art of speaking up but
not talking back. As adults we should learn the art of disagreeing without being
disagreeable.
The way a person handles an argument reflects their upbringing.
I learned a long time ago never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty and besides,
the pig likes it.--Cyrus Ching
Steps to Opening a Discussion
1. Be open-minded.
2. Don't be dragged into an argument.
3. Don't interrupt.
4. Listen to the other person's point of view before giving your own.
4. Ask questions to clarify. That will also set the other person thinking.
5. Don't exaggerate.
7. Be enthusiastic in convincing, not forceful.
8. Be willing to yield.
9. Be flexible on petty things but not on principles.
10. Don't make it a prestige issue.
11. Give your opponent a graceful way to withdraw without hurting his pride.
Rejection can be hurtful.
12. Use soft words but hard arguments rather than hard words & soft arguments .
It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in an argument. His strong and bitter
words only indicate a , weak cause.
During a discussion, it may be a good idea to use phrases such as:
It appears to me ...
I may be wrong ...
Another way to defuse arguments is by showing ignorance and asking questions
such as:
Why do you feel that way?
Can you explain a little?
Can you be more specific?
If nothing works, it may be worthwhile to politely, gently, and with courtesy, agree
to disagree.
