How to have an Argument

This could most possibly be the most mature thing I have ever written... hehe...
The footnotes are just as important as the general writing, if not more. They greatly elaborate and specify the importance of the statement.
Written in a "self-help book" sort of manner. If you have any corrections or additions to suggest, I’m happy to receive them. And I’m always up for a good and proper argument ; )

Forward:

There are many factors that influence an argument- especially those that make it difficult to listen to the other person. This includes an irritating voice, distracting gestures, manner of speech, speed of talking, etc.
A prime cause of impatience, misunderstanding and anger, is general ineptness. Someone can simply say something they did not word properly. This could interpret an entirely different meaning. Interpretation and vocabulary is of major consideration.

Start your argument before you argue.
If you are strongly against a person’s view, make sure you have reasons. Make sure you have support. Start from the top. Keep organized.¹
Present your standing opinion. Do not rant, do not insult.
Do not attack² the opposing opinion.
One who does is not worth arguing with.
Even better, listen to the other person first, before your opinion.
Nothing is more frustrating than someone who impatiently stays silent during your parole, then recites their own prepared speech, disregarding the very reasoning you expressed just a minute ago!³
One who does not is not worth arguing with.⁴
Use logic. Use reason. Try to change your point of view.
Make sure you understand.⁵
In a successful argument, both statements will be broken down, changed, dismissed, compromised or agreed upon.
You have canceled each other out.
You have both won, even if your original opinion lost.
That is normal. That is called Enlightenment.⁶
We are unsatisfied, angry, when an argument terminates without resolution, a victor. Even a compromise would be better!
If the previous steps are done with patience to no avail, there is still a remaining compromise.
Say to yourself:
"This is how this person is different from me."⁷
Let it go.⁸
Difference is good.⁹

End.

¹Try not stray to all over the place and lose sight of the original argument. When tempers are flared, it's easy to pounce on any statement to try to make the other person wrong. This wastes time, a nuisance factor in an argument. Back to text

²When stating your opinion, do not attempt to directly contradict the opposing statement, especially not in a demeaning, disrespectful or sarcastic manner. This can offend personal boundaries, make people indignant and stubborn, and create tension and anger. Back to text

³Yes, I guess I'm venting personal experience here. If you stew through the other person's parole, thinking only of what you're going to say and how to make it impact, you will not understand what you're arguing against. Observe this person's opinion and where they stand. Try to find compromises and elements of truth in their statements. Define what you both agree on, and what you don't, and whether this is a matter of personal belief/value/moral, or misinformation. Back to text

⁴ I repeat this because it is difficult and frustrating to argue with someone with no common sense or respect. If you do encounter these difficulties, this person is rude and uninformed, and why would you try to enlighten someone like that? If you act properly and calmly, they should follow your example. Back to text

⁵ Many arguments turn out as failures because one party is simply IGNORANT. If they did not previously know something, they will not acknowledge its existence. If you have had solid experience, there is no reason for you to give up your opinion, but it is extremely difficult to teach a very stubborn and self-absorbed mind. Back to text

⁶ Enlightenment: freed from ignorance or miscomprehension; gaining full comprehension of a problem. Enlightenment is not a dirty word, it is a winning result. You are not losing an argument, you are being enlightened, seeing another point of view, being freed from ignorance. Back to text

⁷ It is astonishing how often we forget this. Every person is different. That is all. Back to text

⁸ It's very difficult to let go of a heated debate. Especially if it involved something that targets our personal values, beliefs or morals. Repeat footnote #7 to yourself. Back to text

⁹This simple, tried, and absolutely proven statement has been pounded into our heads for quite a few generations, and actually resolves quite a few arguments (e.g: discrimination). Humans must realize that diversity is a necessity in all aspects of life. It works in nature, it must work in ourselves. Back to text