To Advance Free Software, Learn To Argue

Authors Jason Self

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To Advance Free Software, Learn To Argue Home

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 Linux-libre
I am sometimes asked how to convince somone to use free software. This article
comes at the request of someone on how to do that well. (So yes - I do accept GitWeb
requests on topics. Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to see something.)
Doing that is not always easy, and the best method and stragegy varies from case to How To
case but one thing that I think will always help is learning to argue. Indeed, those that
see me on IRC will sometimes see me trying to make a good argument for some Articles
particular point.
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The ability to argue convincingly, to put one's point of view across clearly and
convincingly, is not just a valuable asset; it is an essential life skill. If people are weak
communicators, they're unlikely to make good lawyers, salespersons, managers, About Me
politicians, teachers, police officers, soldiers, negotiators, spokespersons, or
mediators. Indeed, without a demonstrable ability for effective argument, many job Contact Me
applicants wouldn't get beyond the first interview.
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By nature, some people are competent arguers and just need to fine-tune the skill.
Most people, however, are not and need to develop the skill from scratch. That means
becoming competent in four areas. The first three are critical thinking, emotional If you appreciate any of the things I
intelligence and argument formulation. The fourth is presentation, i.e. the ability to put am doing you can make a donation.
forward an argument persuasively.

Critical thinking means being able to analyze a situation without letting personal
biases influence judgment. That's more difficult than it may seem because
preconceived ideas and ego influence most people's thinking, often without them
being aware of it. Developing an open mind by letting those preconceptions go is the
first step towards being an effective arguer. Only with an open mind can a person see
all sides, adopt a balanced personal stance, and build an effective argument.

Emotional intelligence is closely related to critical thinking because it concerns
overcoming biases and ego. More than that, however, it's about learning how to see
things from other people's perspectives and developing empathy with them. It's a
powerful skill that can turn another person's antagonistic attitude to one's benefit.

Argument formulation means being fully conversant with all sides of the issue. It
means carefully studying the facts, considering the various points of view, arriving at a
personal stance and then developing arguments to back it up, step by step.
Occasionally, people have to build convincing arguments for points of view that are
not their own and sometimes that they may not even agree with. Lawyers do it all the
time in the courtroom, as do members of debating societies.

The fourth area, delivering an argument persuasively, only comes with practice. If the
argument is to be made in person, for example, at a meeting, it's a good idea to
compose the main points in writing as if it were a speech. For a speech to be effective,
the elements must be in a logical sequence, and it's easier to see that sequence when
it's written down. Repeatedly practicing a speech consigns the important points to
memory. Most people don't have to make strictly formal speeches at meetings, but by
preparing in this way, all the different arguments and responses can be practiced in
advance and can easily be retrieved from memory when needed.

The basic ability to argue starts in early childhood. It may be crude and egocentric at
the beginning, but it can be directed and nourished as you get older, and turned into a
valuable life skill. Adults who didn't do that can still become effective arguers by
concentrating on the four areas highlighted above. It may take a little more time and
effort, but regardless of a person's age, it's never too late to start.