The ability to substantiate - does it mean thinking or just relying on facts? How to prove your case?

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:43

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 is no escape from disagreements. The best thing we can do in such a situation is to constructively and calmly express our opinion and prove the point. To do this, you must have an informed opinion. This article is about 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 not 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 the course of their own thoughts as clearly as possible. There is another opinion. Some people think that to justify is simply to clarify, to explain your argument. And when they are presented with a claim that their opinion is not justified, they get angry and think that they are right. I would like to make it clear. To substantiate is to rely on facts, to support what is said with evidence.

Determine who you want to prove your point to

Being able to justify your point of view is a certain skill that can be learned. You have probably heard the phrase “the gift of persuasion” more than once, but it’s really difficult to call it a gift. Convincing people that they are right is a skill that a person acquires 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. Let's divide possible opponents into several categories.

Senior

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. When communicating with this category of people, it is very important to back up your arguments with facts that would explain to them the appropriateness of your opinion. If you are trying to sway them into a certain action or justify your action, you need to present everything in such a way that your opponent can see undeniable advantages for himself. So, if you are going to persuade the boss to promote you, point out all the advantages of your candidacy. At the end of the dialogue, he must be completely convinced that no one can do better work in this area than you, and personally he will receive maximum productivity and profit if it is you who gets the position. Undoubtedly, it is important to back up the words with facts from your practice.

Inferior in rank

If youtrying to explain something to children or subordinates, it is important to say about the possible consequences. Speak clearly, clearly, answer the questions posed, your authority should not be in any doubt. In no case do not raise your tone and do not flaunt your status. To justify is not just to point out a mistake or force you to do something according to your will just because your opinion is more powerful. You must convey information so that the interlocutor understands what, how and why. Give compelling examples.

Equal

If you are talking with an equal to yourself - imagine yourself in the place of this person. Think about what might convince you and use those arguments. Imagine how you would feel in the situation you are modeling. Let the interlocutor understand that the data is justified and acts only for his benefit. It is important to be able to explain that this opinion did not arise at your whim, that these are the requirements or rules, and only such a decision will be the only correct one in this situation. In this way, you can not only prove your case, but also make the other 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 is not at all. We all remember the main "criterion" of optimism - half full or empty glass. Your task is to make your opponent see a half full glass. For example, you need to inform your subordinates about a pay cut. As a rule, bosses simply put employees in front offact, which causes their indignation. A good boss will do things completely differently. It is necessary to present the situation in such a way that the 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 evil.”

Model situations

It has long been known that information is best perceived by people on the basis of a specific example. Do not be too lazy to simulate the situation, indicating everything to the smallest detail. For example, name the main characters, indicate the place of events. Take examples from life, quote classics, give scientific arguments, rely on statistics. Substantiating is not an easy task, but with enough experience, vocabulary and psychological skills, you will definitely succeed.