How to Have an Actually Productive Argument, According to Lawyers
Any argument can get heated, especially during an election cycle. Whether people are dealing with a personal dispute or engaging in a political debate, emotions often run high and impede the ability to make progress or reach an understanding.
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“Arguing has a negative connotation, but it shouldn’t,” said Marilyn Chinitz, a partner in the matrimonial and family law practice at the law firm Blank Rome. “Arguments are a social process, and everyone should aim to be effective in the art of arguing. It is important to remember that conflict is not always a threat ― and it can often present opportunities to examine how we feel about an issue and clarify our points.”
To help people have more productive arguments, we asked Lord, Chinitz and other attorneys to share their best practices:
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“In order to be effective in an argument, avoid rehashing the same claims and reasons, because they will be lost on the other side,” Chinitz said. “To argue effectively, you must support your position with evidence and examples.”
She recommended remaining laser-focused on the matter at hand to have a productive discussion.
“The ultimate goal of an argument is to persuade the other side to understand your case, not just to create noise, so the way you convey your thoughts matters,” Chinitz said.
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"How to Have an Actually Productive Argument, According to Lawyers," by Caroline Bologna was published in HuffPost Life on July 19, 2024.