Persuading people and countering manipulation

The basics of constructive argumentation

• Effective even in difficult situations: The basis of constructive argumentation.
• Change of perspective as the basis for successful argumentation.
• Distinguish between point of view and background interest.
• Use questions as a means of argumentation. 

Gentle persuasion with the right questions

• Like Socrates: Setting and positioning new ideas and impulses.
• Pull strategy: Use Socratic questions to gently pull your counterpart over to your side.
• Socratic questioning as a tool for managing employees and customers.
• Respond correctly to pressure-inducing questioning techniques.
• Answer repetitive questions calmly and persistently.
• Counter leading questions and trick questions.
• Confident handling of the foot-in-the-door technique.
• Chain questions: How to break the chain of questions.

Recognize and fend off logical manipulation

• Respond confidently to ad hominem attacks.
• In case of whataboutism, put the discussion back in order.
• Prevent straw man arguments.
• Counter dam-breaking arguments by shifting the burden of proof.
• Resolving false dilemmas.

Recognize & fend off psychological manipulation

• Exposing psychological tricks, whether: Contrast, foot-in-the-door technique, unsolicited favor, anchor effect, framing and more.
• Defense against manipulation: Dealing confidently with psychological manipulation.