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How to Argue Well

Four short lessons on disagreeing well: separating a claim from its reasons, putting the other side at its strongest, spotting two common slips, and changing your mind gracefully.

For grown-ups, from what DebateForge teaches children at Spark & Anvil.

  1. Lesson 1Claim, reason, evidence
  2. Lesson 2The strongest version
  3. Lesson 3Two common slips
  4. Lesson 4Changing your mind well
At the table · 2 or more, any ages

The two-chair table

You'll need: Two chairs and a light topic (pineapple on pizza, the best season).

  1. Pick a light topic where you disagree.
  2. Each person argues the OTHER side first, for one minute.
  3. The other person says whether that was their real view at its strongest. If not, try again.
  4. Only then argue your own side. Notice whether it changed after hearing yours made strong.

Print the guidebook (all lessons + the table activity) →