Some debates are a waste of time.
If you express your opinion in a conversation or meeting, other participants will likely want to express their opinions also, and they may disagree with you. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because an honest and respectful exchange of opinions leads to fruitful discussions and collaborations. However, if you voice an opinion and others respond by starting a pointless argument or monopolizing the conversation, you may be understandably peeved. To prevent unproductive debates, state your opinion with care and have a few tricks ready to shut down an inappropriate rebuttal.
Instructions
1. Speaking
o 1
Clarify your goal. Before speaking, think critically about what response you would like and what you seek to change. If you're expressing your opinion because you want to be right or because you're angry, let it go or wait until you can articulate a clear reason for speaking up.
o 2
Choose the right time to speak. Express a sensitive or controversial opinion when others are relaxed, comfortable and not distracted. At work, this may be first thing in the morning or on a quiet day. If you express an opinion when others are tired, busy or stressed out, they are less likely to listen and more likely to argue.
o
o 3
Focus on actions. If you're voicing an opinion in support of a certain course of action, state it simply and clearly. Don't be vague about what you want, and don't veer off topic into related issues or conflicts.
o 4
Avoid inflammatory language. Don't insult, blame, ridicule, moralize or dismiss individuals or groups. This will prompt others to argue with you.
o 5
Speak neutrally, use "I" language and give specific details. For instance, you might say, "Senator Jones promised to fight the bill in his Labor Day speech, but he voted in favor of the bill a month later. I feel that this is hypocritical," rather than, "Senator Jones is a two-faced liar and a hypocrite."
2. Responding
o 6
Shut down rebuttals. If someone is attempting to argue unproductively, say, "We'll have to agree to disagree" or "That's how I feel about it, but I don't expect you to agree with me."
o 7
Make a joke. Humor can defuse a tense debate and re-establish goodwill. Stick to lighthearted jokes and avoid speaking sharply or sarcastically.
o 8
Change the subject in a friendly way. For instance, say, "We could argue about this all day, John, but I'd rather hear about the movie you saw last weekend. Was it any good?"
o 9
Excuse yourself. If you express an opinion to someone very talkative and they embark upon a long-winded rebuttal, listen politely for a minute or two. When the speaker pauses for breath, express regret, excuse yourself and explain why you must step away. For instance, "I'd like to chat more, but I need to speak with John before he leaves. Please excuse me."
- If you get involved in an unwanted debate, listen actively to the other person's points and ask clarifying questions. If he feels respected and heard, he may not feel the need to prolong the debate.
- Practice assertive communication skills. Remain relaxed, speak honestly, show concern for others and make compromise your goal. Others will be less likely to bicker and argue if you show them a better way to handle confli
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_12168168_express-opinion-debate.html
Tips & Warnings
· If you get involved in an unwanted debate, listen actively to the other person's points and ask clarifying questions. If he feels respected and heard, he may not feel the need to prolong the debate.
· Practice assertive communication skills. Remain relaxed, speak honestly, show concern for others and make compromise your goal. Others will be less likely to bicker and argue if you show them a better way to handle conflict.
Tips & Warnings
- If you get involved in an unwanted debate, listen actively to the other person's points and ask clarifying questions. If he feels respected and heard, he may not feel the need to prolong the debate.
- Practice assertive communication skills. Remain relaxed, speak honestly, show concern for others and make compromise your goal. Others will be less likely to bicker and argue if you show them a better way to handle conflict.
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_12168168_express-opinion-debate.html
0 comments:
Post a Comment