Content

• Steps
• Advice

Isn't it frustrating to argue with someone who is always right? Your best bet is to think about what you need from the argument before jumping in to talk to them. In addition, try to help the person understand what you mean by redirecting the conversation and trying to stay at peace during an argument.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Get ready for the debate

1. 

   Find the root cause of the problem. In general, the "know-it-all" people belong to one of two groups (or a combination of both). Some “know-it-all” people have an uneasy subconscious feeling, and they cover it up by trying to show understanding. Others genuinely think they know everything in the world and feel like they have to share their knowledge with others. If you understand what caused them to have such a stubborn stubborn attitude, you may be able to handle the situation better.
   • When you tell an insecure person they are wrong, this will touch the person's insecurity, and they will "ruffle the hedgehog" to defend themselves. Instead, try leading the story with questions, a way to deal effectively with this group of people.
   • For the second "know-it-all" group of people, usually it's best to just let them talk, then you can try to form a different opinion.

2. 

   
   
   Determine how risky you can be with the relationship with the person. Before you get into an argument with the self-righteous, you need to consider what you might lose. Think about how important your relationship is with that person, and what the debate means to you. No matter how careful you are, your relationship could be damaging because of debate.
   • For example, if the "know-it-all" is your boss, it's probably best to let them think they're right. That way you won't put yourself in danger of losing your job.
   • If the person is close to you, such as your spouse or best friend, consider whether the argument is worth the risk of risking the relationship being damaged.

3. 

   
   
   Determine what you expect from the argument. With any debate, you must also set an end goal. Maybe you just want the other person to understand what you mean, or you want them to know that you're hurt.

4. 

   
   
   Review your rationale before entering a debate. If it's a fact-based debate, always check the facts first. If possible, please provide evidence to support your argument. Remember to look for objective sources of information instead of just relying on sources that say what you want to hear. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Help the other person look at the other side

1. 

   Listen to the other person. Even if the person thinks you are right, they still deserve to be heard, just as you have the right to be heard. Listen to their opinions first, taking time to focus on what they say.
   • To show that you are listening, you can nod during conversation and summarize what you hear, such as "So what do you mean ..."

2. 

   Ask questions for better understanding. The person you are arguing with may not go straight to the point, and the questions you ask can help you properly understand what they are saying and how they feel about the topic.
   • Even simple questions like "Why is that?" or "Why do you think so?" can also help you guess what's behind.

3. 

   
   
   Agree first, then make critical arguments. To argue with someone who is always right, at first you should agree with them, or at least be shown to understand them. After you agree, you can provide a critical opinion.
   • For example, you could say “I understand what you mean. Your opinion is very interesting, but I think this ... "
   • You can also say something like, “Thank you for helping me understand what you mean. I understand why you think that. I think it's a bit different ... "

4. 

   
   
   Debate softly. If you are aggressive when making an argument, chances are that the other person will keep quiet and stop listening. However, if you express your point in milder language, they may be more likely to listen.
   • For example, instead of saying "I'm sure I'm right", say "Ah, I understand like this ..."
   • Instead of saying "Correct judgment must be like this ...", you can say "There may be a different view of this matter ..."

5. 

   
   
   
   
   Get the debate out of the confrontation. Sometimes, your overly blunt opinions will cause the other person to shrink and stop listening, just as if you are too aggressive in arguing. In this case, you may be giving advice or a solution, but the other person is not listening to what you are saying.
   • You may find that asking leading questions is a more effective way to "steer" the other person's thoughts in a different direction than to go head-to-head.
   • For example, you could say, "Oh, what makes you think that?" instead of "I see you are wrong".
   • Instead of saying "That's completely not true", you can say "Have you ever thought ...?"
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Part 3 of 3: Stay at peace while arguing

1. 

   
   
   Don't escalate stress. Any debate is very likely to fall into an escalating situation of tension. Emotions often come in when arguing, and both sides can get angry.If you let anger take over, the argument turns into a verbal brawl with insults thrown at each other or arguing loudly. An escalating anger can be exacerbated when you argue with someone who is righteous, because they can make you angry. However, if you want to achieve a goal, you have to stay calm.
   • If you feel warm blood rising to your head, pause for a few seconds to take a deep breath. It would be even better if you offered to pause and continue the discussion as both sides are more calm and in control.

2. 

   
   
   
   
   Don't cross your arms. Your body language during arguments shows more than you might think. If your actions aren't open to the discussion, the other person won't feel comfortable talking to you.
   • Don't cross your arms or legs, and turn toward the person you're talking to. Also, be sure to make eye contact so that the other person knows you are listening.

3. 

   
   
   Be open to their views. People who claim to be right sometimes are also true! When you are in debate, you must be ready to admit that sometimes you are wrong; otherwise, the debate will come to a standstill.

4. 

   
   
   Know when and how to retreat! Sometimes, you will find that the argument is "inconclusive". In this case, it is best to end the argument. However, you still need to be amiable, otherwise the other person will continue to argue.
   • You can end by saying, “I don't see going anywhere if we argue. Perhaps we should agree that everyone has their own opinion. "
   • You can also say, “Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like we have agreed on this yet. Maybe we will discuss it later. "
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Advice

• Be willing to point out false points or lies. If they provide inaccurate "facts" or biased information, please counteract with reliable sources.