How to make a convincing argument?

A key question in business is: How do I make a convincing argument? When wanting to persuade your counterparts it oftens boils down to the right choice of words and the conviction in which you present your argument.There are many occasions in which you can use your powers of rhetorical persuasion: Whether during job interviews, meetings or presentations - being able to make a winning argument is a key factor for career success.
And the best part is - you can learn how to do it. This article gives 6 steps on how to effectively improve your argumentation.

Step 1: Boost your self-confidence

Even the best techniques are no help if you lack the courage to speak up in front of others in the first place. You therefore need a certain amount of self-confidence and mental stamina.Believing in yourself is the first step into trying to get others to believe you and your argument. Convincing others means convincing yourself first. Try to see yourself in a positive light.
This can be achieved by being aware of your strengths and trying to overcome weaknesses.

Expressing positivity can be done by using phrases such as: "I'm happy to be here" or "Thank you for being here".

Step 2: Define the main focus of your argument

Presenting your reasoning in a clear and descriptive manner is essential for others to understand your point.

It is best to have a common thread that runs though your thesis from beginning to end. While answering questions and possible counter arguments, make sure you maintain the topical and structural focus of the discussion. Jumping back and forth between answering, defending and presenting can make you seem less convincing.

Stick to your core message and make one valid argument after another. Make sure your message is being heard and unterstood.

Step 3: Practice active listening

When the other person is speaking, give them the feeling that you are one hundred percent engaging with what they are saying. You can signal this by occasionally nodding or smiling - asking follow-up questions also shows your interest in what is being said.

Active listening has two beneficial aspects:

• Understanding other's perspective significantly reduces the possibility of missunderstandings. Summarize, discuss and ask questions - understanding one another and thematically being on the same page are keys to any conversation.
• Your willingness to listen will help you win over every conversation partner. And winning them over is the half way into convincing them. If there is still a disagreement, you can use a change of perspective to present arguments that appeal to the other person. After all, your goal is not being hell-bent on having your way, but to convince through skillful argumentation.

Step 4: Convince with facts, figures and data

Arguments that cannot be substantiated are nothing more than mere assertions. It also goes that way in a business environment.

If you want to put forward a thesis or sell a new business idea, you should present it in a airtight manner - preferably using figures, data, current statistics, sources and examples. Use comparisons: For example, name companies that have had success with a similar idea that you now want to implement.

Remember: an argument based on factual data often convinces even the biggest skeptics - you can't argue with facts.

Step 5: Body language and tone of voice: important instruments in communicating

There are so many ways to convey a message without saying a word. Your posture, gestures and facial expressions, as well as the pitch of your voice, "speak" volumes. However, body language often happens unconsciously, it virtually runs by itself. Even the best of arguments will fail if your body language does not reflect what you are saying. Same goes for your speaking pattern and tone: if you are uncertain about something, your pitch gets highter, while you get more quiet.

Pay attention to your own body language. A good exercise is to observe other people. What posture makes them appear confident, what gestures do they use to effectively emphasize their own words?

Step 6: Save the best for last - make your closing argument your best

Don't put all of your cards on the table right away - save the best for last. Structure your argumentation in a way that you save your strongest argument until the end. The reason for this is that it will stick in your mind and will possibly continue to occupy your conversation partner even after the conversation has ended. Your argument will then have a lasting effect and can still be convincing afterwards.

If you have not reached a common solution or agreement during the conversation, there is still the possibility that a solution will be found more quickly at a next meeting.

Conclusion

A best argument is a coherent one. This is because you win over the other person not only through a good choice of words, but also through the way you speak and the attitude you adopt. In doing so, you should not only pay attention to yourself and your effect, but also include the other person's point of view. Also, back up your argument with facts, figures, and examples - this will make what you say more lively and believable.

If you pay attention to every single step, you will be able to present your point of view confidently and convince with arguments in the next meeting or in the upcoming negotiation with business partners.