We often ask ourselves: “How to prove to another person that he is wrong?” According to statistics, more than 30% of all our conversations are occupied by disputes or conflict resolution. On the street, in the store, at work, at home - there’s no escape from the discord. The best we can do in such a situation is to constructively and calmly express our opinions and prove our point of view. To do this, you must have a reasonable opinion. This article focuses on how to use evidence, what it means and how to make your point of view as motivated and objective as possible.
What does “justify” mean?
We often hear this word, but far from all people correctly understand its essence. Most people think that to justify is simply to express their opinion, based on a personal point of view, and to state their thoughts as clearly as possible. There is another opinion. Some believe that justifying is simply explaining, explaining your argument. And when they are presented with a claim that their opinion is unfounded, they are angry and think that they are right. I want to clarify. To justify is to rely on facts, back up what was said with evidence.
Determine to whom you want to prove your point
To be able to substantiate your point of view is a certain skill that you can learn. You have probably heard the phrase “gift of persuasion” more than once, but it’s really difficult to call it a gift. To convince people of their rightness is a skill that a person gains as a result of applying special knowledge and practice.
For the correct selection of arguments, you need to familiarize yourself with the target audience, if you can call it that. We will divide possible opponents into several categories.
Seniors
Senior in rank, status or age. For example, it can be your parents, bosses or just an authoritative person for you who has superiority over you to one degree or another. In dealing with this category of people, it is very important to back up your arguments with facts that would explain to them the usefulness of your opinion. If you are trying to persuade them to a certain action or to justify your action, you need to present everything so that your opponent can see the undeniable advantages for yourself. So, if you are going to persuade your boss to promote you, point out all the advantages of your candidacy. At the end of the dialogue, he should be fully convinced that it is better for you not to cope with work in this area, and that he personally will receive maximum productivity and profit if you get the job. Undoubtedly, it is important to back up the words with facts from your practice.
Lowest in rank
If you are trying to explain something to children or subordinates, it is important to talk about the possible consequences. Speak clearly, clearly, answer the questions posed, your authority should not cause any doubt. In no case do not raise the tone and flaunt your status. To justify is not just to point out a mistake or make you do something of your own free will just because your opinion is more significant. You must convey information so that the interlocutor understands what, how and why. Give convincing examples.
Equal
If you speak with an equal to yourself - imagine yourself in the place of this person. Think about what could convince you, and use these arguments. Imagine how you would feel in the situation that you are modeling. Let your interlocutor understand that the data is justified and acts only for his good. It is important to be able to clarify that this opinion did not arise at your whim, that these are requirements or rules, and only such a decision will be the only right one in this situation. Thus, you can not only prove your case, but also make another person look at certain things from a completely different angle.
Convince your opponent
Make your interlocutor believe that the situation is beneficial to him, even if it does not at all. We all remember the main "criterion" of optimism - a half-full or empty glass. Your task is to make your opponent see a half-full glass. For example, you need to inform subordinates about a reduction in wages. As a rule, bosses simply confront employees with the fact, which causes their indignation. A good boss will do it completely differently. It is necessary to imagine the situation in such a way that a reduction in wages is a necessary measure, but the best that could overtake them in the light of recent events. For example, due to budget cuts, they could have been fired, but this did not happen, so they just cut their salaries. The decision is justified and is the “lesser of evils”.
