How to persuade in unfavorable situations and in the face of counter-arguments

The Tactic of Diversion: Appealing to Universal Principles

When we find ourselves in a clearly unfavorable communication situation, where details and the immediate context play against us, the smartest strategy is not to insist on those points, but to change the frame of the conversation.

In these cases, the most effective persuasion is achieved by alluding to universal principles and truths accepted by all.

It is a matter of elevating the debate from the particular and conflictive to the general and indisputable.

By presenting weighty arguments of a rational and comprehensive nature, on which there can be no disagreement, we force our audience to agree and accept part of our reasoning.

This simple act of gaining agreement on a higher plane sows doubt about the certainty of their initial position and allows us to win points in a field that, a priori, seemed lost.

Strategic Counterattack: Attacking Weak Points

When the challenge is not the context, but the strength of the opposing arguments, the strategy must change.

Instead of attempting a frontal rebuttal, it is much more effective to identify and attack the weakest points of our opponent's argument. The indispensable tool to achieve this is active listening.

Paying deep and genuine attention to what the other party is saying provides us with the necessary information to detect cracks or contradictions in their discourse.

On the other hand, by showing interest in their arguments, we increase our own credibility and project an image of impartiality, which biases the audience in our favor.

The Dual Tone: Rational to Defend, Emotional to Attack

Effective persuasion also involves a strategic modulation of tone. When presenting our own arguments, we should opt for a more rational and assertive approach, conveying calm, logic and assurance.

However, when pointing out the weaknesses of the opposing argument, it may be more effective to adopt a slightly more aggressive and emotional tone. It is crucial to understand that this "aggressiveness" should not be confused with disrespect.

It is a controlled firmness, always within the limits of assertiveness, that uses emotion to emphasize the weakness of the opposing argument and generate a g