How to convince anyone of anything: 12 arguments for all occasions

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

You don't have to have a special gift to be convincing. There are arguments for this.

Any argument has two parts. The first is the basis with which it is impossible to argue. The second is the obvious connection to this foundation of provable thought. When mom tells her daughter not to put her fingers in the outlet, the daughter obeys, because a) mom is an authority (this is the basis of the argument) and b) because mom personally says not to do this (this is an obvious attachment).

There are many arguments, but the reasons for the arguments are much less. It is they who allow you to build your speech so that it is convincing. Below is the golden dozen of these foundations, twelve types of arguments known by TOPIC: ESCALATION OF CLAIMS since the days of Aristotle.

1. What can be verified is convincing

To consider something true, a person does not have to check the truth himself, it will be enough for him to have the possibility of verification. When there is a clear, accessible and realistic way of verification, this will be enough. Then laziness will connect (and trust in the speaker), no one will check anything, but the conviction will work.

For example, if you decide to recommend this article to someone to read, you will not describe its merits for a long time, but simply say: "Look and see for yourself." Maybe your friend will not read it, but will think that it is good.

2. What is unique is convincing

Uniqueness is so valuable to us that we automatically consider everything that carries unique qualities or confirms uniqueness to be convincing.

So, since there are few resources similar to Lifehacker in Russia, it is precisely the argument to uniqueness that can be used to explain the necessity of visiting it every day.

However, here it is necessary to make a reservation that it is only the West that is delighted with uniqueness, and for Eastern cultures it is inferior to authenticity. Therefore, for the representatives of the East, the following argument is better suited.

3. Convincing what seems to be familiar

We do not question the usual things, therefore, when something new or controversial looks like the usual, this is a strong enough argument in favor of its truth.

When a guy meets a girl and tries to make a good impression on her, he thinks that he is using arguments for uniqueness (“I am such and such, I have such and such, I am the best”). But the girl perceives this as arguments for compatibility: it is important for her to understand how this person is similar to the best examples of male behavior imprinted in her memory.

4. Convincing evidence of regression

It gets worse and worse. Well, maybe not everything, but a lot. Even if not much, then something for sure. The idea of regression is hardwired into our brain: you must admit that not only the trees were greener before, but the dogs were kinder, the dawns were quieter, and the products were GMO-free. So it is very convenient to rely on the idea of regression in your proofs.

For example, the need to introduce the death penalty can be easily justified by an increase in the number of crimes and / or their increased severity.

5. Convincing evidence of progress

Ideas of progress are even more ingrained in us than beliefs of regression. We will readily accept as truth that which will confirm our belief in progress.

This is why it is convenient for a politician to rely on progress to explain the need for his re-election to any post. Even if the connection between his activities and progress is not obvious, the progress itself is beyond doubt: it means that he must be re-elected. "You have begun to live better - vote for me."

6. Convincing follows logically from convincing

This argument is called the argument to causation. Briefly, it can be represented as a logical connective "if - then". Of course, in each argument there is a logical connection, but only in this it is the main supporting structure, all the emphasis is placed on it.

Example: "If we consider ourselves reasonable people, then we cannot ignore arguments based on logic." Or like this: "If we consider ourselves reasonable people, then we should not believe everything we read on the Internet." And also: "If we consider ourselves reasonable people, then we should not tolerate such bullying with three identical examples, when everything was already clear."

7. The fact is convincing

The most common and understandable argument is the data argument. It is used most often, but not because it is the strongest, but because it is the simplest. When applying it, remember that facts do not exist - only interpretations exist. The strength of a fact lies not in its veracity, but in its brightness. And also in frequent repetition, but you hardly have the resources to launch propaganda, so you have to make do with brightness.

For example: "Russia is the most peaceful country, because it has never attacked anyone, has never fought offensive wars." This fact has nothing to do with historical reality, but how an argument works.

8. What is useful is convincing

The most honest argument - at least he tries to look like that. After all, we really do consider everything from the point of view of benefits. What's useful is true, what's beneficial is good. A pragmatic argument will never let you down if you can connect the argument you are arguing with the real value of your listeners.

“Pay your taxes and sleep well,” the Federal Tax Service advises us. It might seem like a call to our conscience. But do not be deceived, this type of argument does not appeal to conscience, it appeals to our egoism, which is why it is so effective.

9. That which is based on norms is convincing

Norms should be understood as a fairly wide set of rules that exist in society. Laws, customs, traditions, regulations - it is convenient for the truth to rely on them. The norms can be different, from social to sanitary, from linguistic to sexual, as long as they are relevant and generally accepted.

The argument by which the statesmen are forced to react to complaints faster is based on the norms: “According to the federal law of 02.05.2006 N 59-FZ“On the procedure for considering appeals of citizens of the Russian Federation”I ask you to provide an answer within 30 days, otherwise In this case, I will have to apply to the prosecutor's office to attract those responsible for the failure to meet the deadlines under Art. 5.59 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation "Violation of the procedure for considering citizens' appeals" ".

10. Convincing is evidenced by authority

More than a clear argument. Even young people who love to overthrow the authorities usually do this business at the invitation of some of their authority.

Such an argument can be rude when a boss talks to a subordinate, or it can be soft when Leonardo DiCaprio advertises a watch of a certain brand from a billboard.

Well, maybe like this:

"Beware of morally indignant people: they have a sting of cowardly, hidden even from themselves anger."

Friedrich Nietzsche

11. What the witnesses say is convincing

A witness differs from authority in that his opinion is interesting not because of his personality, but because of the experience that he has. Continuing the theme of advertising: luxury goods are promoted by celebrities, that is, stars, and products of general consumption are advertised by "witnesses" - no-names with unique experience in combating stains on clothes.

Example: "Homeopathy works because my neighbor in the stairwell was cured by homeopathy!" The strength of this argument cannot be underestimated; it is no weaker than a reference to authority.

12. What can be presented as true is convincing

Since our brain has never been in the real world - that is, outside the cranium - it only has to operate with ideas about how everything works. Therefore, if you force the brain to imagine something, it will be almost a real fact for it. And not only for people with a developed imagination, but in general for everyone.

The argument of a real estate agent when meeting with a client in the office: "Just imagine how in the morning from your balcony you admire this lake, breathing in the fresh smells of the forest …"