Don't you just hate arguing? I really do. Though I took up Political Science when I was in college, I really, really hate it when ordered theoretical debates just end up into a pub-style engagement wherein people just air their sentiments in the loudest manner possible or those people who however much their arguments contradict each other will just not quit. I guess you're used to those kinds of people. They could be just like your mom, your boss, your best friend or by heaven, even your housekeeper.

I've also found out that there are a lot of ways to deal with these kinds of people. If you just can't seem to avoid a train wreck of an argument that heading your way, it's best to be armed with the tools that can make even the most venom-tongued adversary a disciple in no time!

One of the best tricks in the book is to make your opponent just say yes. This is one of the best ways to make your opponent see things your way. Just orchestrate your argument in such a way as to let your sparring partner think that your argument is in fact the logical conclusion of his or her argument. When the nods start coming from the other side, you'll know that's symbolically a white flag being raised!

Or maybe your opponent is an indomitable rock of pure ego and you can't seem to be getting through to him or her. The answer to that issue is just to back it up with concrete examples and instances lifted from facts. If that person won't shut up and admit error after getting a real big dosage of reality, then maybe some other more subtle tactics are called for.

If you're wrong, always be modest and admit your mistakes. Nobody likes a sore loser and people will definitely take you more seriously if you have the grace to compromise. B friendly too. If you approach someone in a non-confrontational way, there's sure to be some harmony in the way you conduct your exchanges. Who knows, you two may just find common ground!

There are a lot of ways to get the upper hand in any argument. But the grandest thing about an argument is that they can be avoided completely.