Breaking News: Arguing Is Considered An Art!

I never thought I would ever believe that arguing was an art.  When a person mentions the word art, the first thing that comes to mind is dancing, painting, sculpturing, etc.  Arguing with someone is definitely not the first idea that comes to mind when the word is mentioned.  As shocking as it may seem, the art of argumentation (aka rhetoric) was invented by the famous philosopher Aristoteles.  How he conjured up the factors that help a person win an argument is beyond me.  I would have never been able to do it on my own.  Any who, according to Aristoteles, you must realize if you want to change the person's "mood, mind, or willingness to carry out what you want" (26).  

If you are talented in rhetoric, than you can do all three.  By doing this, you will most likely win your argument.  They key idea in rhetoric is that an argument is not a fight. "The basic difference between an argument and a fight: an argument gets people to want to do what you want. You fight to win; you argue to achieve agreement" (Page 17). Now, back to the topic. The only problem a person may face while quarreling with their opponent is them knowing the art of rhetoric.  If they know rhetoric than they most likely know how to argue.  The three steps a person should follow are:

"1. Stimulate your audience's emotions.

 2. Change its opinion.

 3. Get it to act." (22)

I guess you could stimulate your audience's emotions by "seducing" (23) them.  However, I feel like seducing a person is strongly frowned upon in our society.  Oh well. According to this book, Thank You For Arguing, "changing the mood is the easiest goal" (23).  I had never thought about that.  In an argument, a person enjoys using the facts.  You're most likely going to win if you are right.  However, wouldn't a person be considered more of a winner if the person were to completely change his opinion on the subject? Something that I have never noticed is that we "seduce" people every day.  Every action and motion have an intention.  

After reading these two chapters I realized that I have used this form of arguing many times.  Whenever I want to do something I just change my tone and open my eyes.  I usually get what I want.  These things vary from getting permission to go to a party to dancing at one.  It's a girl's most useful weapon.  However, something I never realized is that there are other ways to "seduce" a person in order to get what you want.  Seducing a person can range from "allowing your opponent to score points" (20), making the person feel bad for you, or by doing what I usually do.  The term "seducing" does not only have a sexual definition.  It also has a more proper definition which may help you win an argument.  The key is knowing how to use it!