If
you express your opinion in a conversation or meeting, other participants will
likely want to express their opinions also, and they may disagree with you.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing because an honest and respectful exchange of
opinions leads to fruitful discussions and collaborations. However, if you
voice an opinion and others respond by starting a pointless argument or
monopolizing the conversation, you may be understandably peeved. To prevent
unproductive debates, state your opinion with care and have a few tricks ready
to shut down an inappropriate rebuttal.
Instructions
1.
Speaking
o
1
Clarify your goal. Before speaking, think
critically about what response you would like and what you seek to change. If
you're expressing your opinion because you want to be right or because you're
angry, let it go or wait until you can articulate a clear reason for speaking
up.
o
2
Choose the right time to speak. Express a
sensitive or controversial opinion when others are relaxed, comfortable and not
distracted. At work, this may be first thing in the morning or on a quiet day.
If you express an opinion when others are tired, busy or stressed out, they are
less likely to listen and more likely to argue.
o
o
3
Focus on actions. If you're voicing an opinion in
support of a certain course of action, state it simply and clearly. Don't be
vague about what you want, and don't veer off topic into related issues or
conflicts.
o
4
Avoid inflammatory language. Don't insult, blame,
ridicule, moralize or dismiss individuals or groups. This will prompt others to
argue with you.
o
5
Speak neutrally, use "I" language and
give specific details. For instance, you might say, "Senator Jones promised
to fight the bill in his Labor Day speech, but he voted in favor of the bill a
month later. I feel that this is hypocritical," rather than, "Senator
Jones is a two-faced liar and a hypocrite."
2. Responding
o
6
Shut down rebuttals. If someone is attempting to
argue unproductively, say, "We'll have to agree to disagree" or
"That's how I feel about it, but I don't expect you to agree with
me."
o
7
Make a joke. Humor can defuse a tense debate and
re-establish goodwill. Stick to lighthearted jokes and avoid speaking sharply
or sarcastically.
o
8
Change the subject in a friendly way. For
instance, say, "We could argue about this all day, John, but I'd rather
hear about the movie you saw last weekend. Was it any good?"
o
9
Excuse yourself. If you express an opinion to
someone very talkative and they embark upon a long-winded rebuttal, listen
politely for a minute or two. When the speaker pauses for breath, express
regret, excuse yourself and explain why you must step away. For instance,
"I'd like to chat more, but I need to speak with John before he leaves.
Please excuse me."
- If you get involved in an unwanted debate, listen actively to the other person's points and ask clarifying questions. If he feels respected and heard, he may not feel the need to prolong the debate.
- Practice assertive communication skills. Remain relaxed, speak honestly, show concern for others and make compromise your goal. Others will be less likely to bicker and argue if you show them a better way to handle confli
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_12168168_express-opinion-debate.html
Tips & Warnings
·
If you get involved in an unwanted debate,
listen actively to the other person's points and ask clarifying questions. If
he feels respected and heard, he may not feel the need to prolong the debate.
·
Practice assertive communication skills. Remain
relaxed, speak honestly, show concern for others and make compromise your goal.
Others will be less likely to bicker and argue if you show them a better way to
handle conflict.
Tips & Warnings
- If you get involved in an unwanted debate, listen actively to the other person's points and ask clarifying questions. If he feels respected and heard, he may not feel the need to prolong the debate.
- Practice assertive communication skills. Remain relaxed, speak honestly, show concern for others and make compromise your goal. Others will be less likely to bicker and argue if you show them a better way to handle conflict.
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_12168168_express-opinion-debate.html
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