The lessons
30 principles of argument — what the idea is, what it sounds like when you get it wrong and right, one thing to try today, and the book or study each one comes from.
An opinion is a claim without a reason. An argument is a claim with one.
Beat the strongest version of their argument, or you haven't beaten anything.
Give away what's true and you get to keep everything else.
'Best' by what?
The person making the claim carries the bag.
Nobody has ever changed their mind under a pile of statistics.
'First… second…' is not for you. It's so they can follow.
You don't need the Latin. You need the pattern.
The strongest move in most arguments is a question with a real cost behind it.
Every argument about risk is secretly an argument about the alternative.
The calm one is winning, whatever's being said.
The gap before your answer is where your composure lives.
Say it back fairly, and you've already half-won the room.
The moment it's about them, you've lost everyone who was still listening.
You're not arguing about the policy. You're arguing about what they're afraid of.
If the answer is 'nothing', stop. If it's something, bring that.
Rebuttal is three moves. Most people only do the middle one.
The sentence after your best sentence is where arguments go to die.
Two things happening together is a clue, not a verdict.
'Either you're with us or…' — no. There's a third door.
A reason tells them you're right. An impact tells them why they should care.
The hardest evidence to argue with is what someone already said.
The first one to speak after the number loses.
Fighting every point makes you look like someone who fights every point.
You'll never convince the person you're arguing with. You might convince everyone watching.
'But what about—' is a change of subject wearing an argument's coat.
They defend the modest version and act like they've proved the bold one.
'Always' and 'everyone' are the two words that lose arguments.
A case that survives its softest point being cut is the one people trust.
An argument without an ask is a complaint.
FlowTalk gives you the topic, the other side answers back, and a coach tells you what actually landed.
Make your case — free