8 Effective Strategies For Argumentation At Work

Argumentation in the workplace can be productive in solving conflict and finding more effective work processes. Knowing the best strategies to implement when participating in argumentation is a good way to ensure you’re getting your point across in a respectful manner and avoiding creating interpersonal tension.

In this article, we explore what argumentation is, why it’s important to have strategies for argumentation, eight strategies to help you argue effectively, and list jobs that often require argumentation.

What is argumentation in the workplace?

Argumentation is how people present a claim or case while justifying beliefs to find a reason and come to conclusions concerning a disagreement. In many cases, the goal of argumentation is to convince others to change their actions or thoughts on the topic. Several components go into argumentation, including rhetoric, logic, and dialect. For example, your tone of voice can impact the outcome of your argument with another person or group of people.

Argumentation in the workplace can happen frequently and is something many employees experience at some point in their careers. Many arguments at work aren’t negative, though. They’re often a productive part of the strategy process and can resolve any disagreements or conflicts. Arguments often are a way to advocate for a point of view on a topic and to help others better understand a thought process. Even if others don’t agree, you can still feel as if others heard and understood your point of view if you use healthy argumentation strategies.

What are the benefits of argumentation in the workplace?

Various benefits come with argumentation in the workplace when done properly. These benefits may be contingent on whether the arguments are healthy or charged with emotion. Healthy disagreement includes listening and hearing what the other person has to say, being respectful of their opinions, and explaining your point of view productively. These benefits include:

• Opportunities for employees to grow and learn from one other

• Increased job satisfaction among employees

• More efficient work outcomes

• Improved relationships among colleagues

• Creative friction that has positive results on a project

• A feeling of a more inclusive workplace

8 strategies for argumentation at work

The following are eight strategies you can use to make your argumentation at work more productive:

1. If you make a mistake, apologize as soon as possible

A key to productive argumentation is to ensure both parties feel respected and heard. For example, if you become angry during an argument and use defensive language, try to apologize as soon as possible for your behavior. Consider focusing your apology on your actions rather than the other person’s to help make it seem more genuine.

2. Ensure everyone involved knows what points you will cover

If you’re going to take part in a confrontation or meeting, consider informing everyone who’s involved about what you plan to present. This includes what your argument will be about and the points it will cover. This allows others to review the material, familiarize themselves with it, and ensure anything you bring up doesn’t surprise participants. It also allows them a chance to prepare counterpoints, which can lead to a more productive discussion.

3. Research your audience

Better understanding your audience before going into a discussion can prepare you with knowledge of their views on particular ideas and how they think about things. For example, a social media post could reveal that a person strongly believes in teamwork, even though your argument contains elements that propose turning a team or teams into independent work. The better you know your audience, the more prepared you can be to convince them to listen to your argument.

4. Be aware of your body language

The nonverbal communication conveyed by body motions and expressions can be as important as the words you use, so being aware of your nonverbal cues and how you present yourself is important in argumentation. One way to give off a positive demeanor is to match your body language, if possible, with the other party. For example, if the person makes consistent eye contact, consider doing so as well. Try to avoid negative body language, such as keeping your arms crossed, which can make you appear closed off.

5. Complete research on your claim before presenting it

If your claim or point of view has solid evidence or research to back it, the other parties may be more likely to take it seriously. Although it’s normal to have a general opinion on a topic, being able to back it up is key to successfully getting your point across. This also can help increase your credibility with others and build trust and respect during the argumentation process.

6. Begin your sentences with “I”

Keeping your opinions as your own, rather than projecting them onto others, is an important strategy in the argumentation process. For example, if the argument is about new office space, you might say something like, “I believe a new office space would benefit the employees and the company as a whole,” rather than, “If you believe in not getting a new office space…” This can help ease defensiveness and tension, which can allow you to get your point across respectfully.

7. Focus on facts

Focusing on facts can help keep the tension down and avoid bringing up negative emotions in yourself and others. Facts also can be much more effective when arguing than feelings. Even if you have an emotional connection to the decision the argument may lead to, try to maintain an objective stance and keep your emotions and feelings to yourself throughout the argument.

8. Practice arguing for the opposing opinion before going into the discussion

Practicing an argument against your point of view or opinion can help you see things from a different perspective. It also can help you identify any holes in your argument the other party may bring up. Doing this can help you better understand the other person’s perspective and what they may believe in relation to your opinion or point of view. This ultimately can contribute to a more effective argument that allows you to take both sides into account.

Jobs that commonly use argumentation strategies

Several jobs include regular argumentation and often require professionals to be proficient in argumentation strategies. Some of these jobs may include:

• Marketing Manager

• Lawyer

• Chief executive

• Sales Engineer

• Sales manager

• Sales representative

• Public relations manager

• Fundraising manager

• Counseling psychologist

• Insurance sales agent

• Politician

• Philosophy professor

I hope you find this article helpful.