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Written by The Mobility Advocate
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Ever wonder how politicians do it? They answer questions by not answering. They give a speech without saying anything. They get reelected even after transgressions against their constiuents. They have mastered the art of debate and conversation and rely on their skill to continue on their rise to power.
So, how do they do it? Here are some tips to sharpen the finer points of debate and argument (not the fighting kind of argument).
Step 1. Be charismatic. Charm is essential to winning favor. If you are not well liked, you will not even be heard. There's not getting around it. Look at Nixon. He didn't stand a chance. But Bill Clinton is still well respected. Charm is the key to gaining ground when engaging in debate. Charm is an internal characteristic that emanates from your core.
Step 2. Don't be so consumed by being right. Someone who is confident in their belief or points of argument does not have to prove they are right. Your judgment gets clouded and you may make illogical points to prove your conclusion. Instead, know that you are right and use the art of convincing rather than the force of judgment.
Step 3. Deflect, deflect, deflect. I can't stress this one enough. Whatever point someone has made, deflect with statements that put the spotlight back on them. For example, if someone says that you engage in a certain type of behavior (like, you always deflect), tell them that you notice how much they rely on the technique and give examples (like, I notice you're responding to my question with the observation that I'm deflecting). Or globalize - take that behavior and make an "it's human nature" statement about it.
Step 4. Follow deflection with distracting statement. This is important otherwise your deflection will lose its potency. Changing the subject gives you the opportunity to squeeze out of responding to the initial statement or inquiry. Veer off, give a confusing example that does not really relate to what you are talking about. Be creative and have fun with it.
Tips:
Never let them see you sweat. No matter how much you feel like you are backing into a corner, you can always get out of it by using charisma, deflection and distraction.
Practice, practice, practice and you too will be able to talk your way out of anything!
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