Some people love to argue. Regardless of the topic, they just pretend to be right or they want to feel superior and don't accept the idea of being wrong. The best way to deal with these subjects is to not go down to their level. Nothing irritates them more than having someone in front of them who takes away their opportunity to contest and contradict, refuses to take them seriously, and highlights their shortcomings.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Avoid Arguing
Step 1. Don't argue
You will likely have a hard time not getting drawn into a heated confrontation. When you are faced with a person who provokes you, remember that they have no intention of listening to your point of view. Nothing you say will be convincing enough to close the matter, and he probably won't even admit the possibility of being wrong. Save yourself a headache and just say you don't intend to argue.
Step 2. Avoid the hottest topics
When you are dealing with a rather controversial subject, it is better to keep yourself on trivial topics. If you bring up a hotly debated or disagreeing issue, such as abortion or gun control, declare that you don't want to talk about it or that you don't care.
Change the subject. If you feel that a difference of opinion is about to emerge, try giving the conversation a different twist instead of showing your disagreement
Step 3. Stay calm
Don't get nervous. If you let your interlocutor know that you are getting excited, he will probably feel that feeling of victory or superiority that he secretly nurtures and that pushes him to move on. If you are impassive, he will feel less satisfied. Eventually, he may even give up arguing with you and seek out a more inspiring target.
Don't raise your voice. If you speak animatedly, your interlocutor is forced to make himself feel stronger. Also, by expressing yourself calmly, you will appear more balanced and this attitude will annoy those in front of you
Step 4. Look bored
Check the clock or the messages on the mobile. Let them know you have more important things to do and apologize. Controversial people feel a sense of superiority when they are in a bickering. By manifesting lack of interest in a topic, you will be the one who proves to be superior.
Step 5. Agree even if you disagree
Try saying, "You're probably right, but I prefer my method." That said, there will be nothing more to discuss. You can also nod without sharing the point of view of your interlocutor. Let him give his opinion, then change the subject as if you agree with him.
Make a few sounds to show that you agree even if it isn't true. This will slow down the pace of the discussion and make it less lively
Part 2 of 3: Irritating the Interlocutor
Step 1. Tell him you are wrong
Don't lend a hand with arguments that could fuel the discussion. Just state that he is wrong and refuse to provide any further explanation. Nothing angers an argumentative person more than being told that they are wrong, especially if they are right.
Step 2. Get proof
Even if the arguments seem valid, you need some evidence to support what you are saying. Refuse to pursue the matter further until he has provided the proofs you ask for. Try to put a spoke in the wheel so that he gets tired and doesn't keep arguing with those who are wasting his time.
Step 3. Highlight the poor property of language
If during the discussion your interlocutor uses the terms incorrectly, stop him and point it out. In this way, you will not only interrupt his dialectical momentum, but also make him feel intellectually inferior.
Step 4. Treat him with condescension
Try to be as condescending as possible to prove your superiority. For example, you can offer the option to use simpler words so that he can understand better.
Roll your eyes. Look up and to the side and slowly move your eyes until your gaze reaches the opposite side of the room. You might also shake your head slightly as you roll your eyes. With this attitude, you will show your interlocutor that you consider him stupid and ridiculous
Step 5. Mention absurd and irrelevant sources
Among the apparently authoritative sources he cites films, television programs or other characters who have no connection with the discussion. The lyrics of the songs also work great. The other person will have a hard time countering this tactic because they will be forced to figure out if you are serious before giving you an answer.
For example, if you are trying to spark a discussion on Italy's foreign policy, you might reply: "Well, as the famous phrase attributed to Garibaldi goes," Here we make Italy or die"
Step 6. Emphasize the banality of the discussion
If the argument is about nonsense, point out to your interlocutor that he is exasperating the confrontation because he is basically a mediocre person. Those with an argumentative temperament tend to cling to any argument in order to be right. If you show him that his reasoning is flawed due to his bad temper, he'll be more reluctant to argue with you next time.
Step 7. Make it personal
Forget the topic around which the discussion revolves and start being rude and throwing insults. For example, if you get involved in a debate on poverty, you might say, "You should worry less about poverty and find more time to come up with a new haircut." Such an attack will not earn you points, but it will allow you to silence and humiliate an aggressive interlocutor. Of course, you may also find yourself in a fight, so be cautious.
Part 3 of 3: Controlling Your Emotions
Step 1. Stay calm
Controversial people often argue for the simple desire to elicit an emotional reaction from their interlocutor. Don't overdo yourself if the confrontation starts to annoy you or make you nervous.
You smile. Show who you are up against that it will certainly not be an argument that will demoralize you. Sometimes, that's all an angry and argumentative person tries to do
Step 2. Ask questions
Instead of convincing your opponent to see things differently, ask him a few questions so he can explain his point of view. This is a tactic that can help you get to the root of the problem. For example, you can ask him: "What is the reasoning behind your thinking?". In addition to not having to justify your position, you will offer them the opportunity to express themselves and be heard. Many times this tactic is enough to calm a subject with an argumentative temperament, even if the differences do not smooth out.
Step 3. Know when it's time to leave
If you feel that a situation has not been resolved in a positive way, do not hesitate to walk away. You can always return to the discussion later when you feel that you can discuss with greater balance.
Advice
- Don't tease people older and stronger than you, otherwise the discussion risks taking an unexpected turn.
- Avoid saying something you might regret. Choose your words carefully when confronted with someone.
- Don't look annoyed, but try to smile during the conversation. This attitude will irritate your interlocutor who will think he is not up to the point of annoying you!
- Don't take your eyes off the person you're arguing with. He'll think he can persuade you with his arguments. Stay convinced and firm about your position.
