If I am to give a presentation or am invited to a meeting I prepare by taking the position of my interlocutor. I write down their arguments. Then I write down my responses.
Then the day of the meeting I have prepared responses for what they’re going to say.
When I am caught with an argument I hadn’t thought of I pause first. Then I repeat what they said in my own words. And then I use implication to work towards my position.
It’s a lot of rehearsal. Like martial arts. The purpose of practice is to relieve the mind when the time comes to act.
I’m not afraid to take a moment to consider what is said before responding. Some people who are quick witted or like to talk before they think are disarmed by this. But it can be useful… just try to avoid over-using it or people may get impatient with you.
In my experience, a dishonest debater will withhold information. That is you don't know a key fact which will sway the decision one way or the other. No amount of preparation can help you when you don't know all the facts.
If I am to give a presentation or am invited to a meeting I prepare by taking the position of my interlocutor. I write down their arguments. Then I write down my responses.
Then the day of the meeting I have prepared responses for what they’re going to say.
When I am caught with an argument I hadn’t thought of I pause first. Then I repeat what they said in my own words. And then I use implication to work towards my position.
It’s a lot of rehearsal. Like martial arts. The purpose of practice is to relieve the mind when the time comes to act.
I’m not afraid to take a moment to consider what is said before responding. Some people who are quick witted or like to talk before they think are disarmed by this. But it can be useful… just try to avoid over-using it or people may get impatient with you.