If you can't be sure of being right even 55 percent of the time, why should you tell other people they are wrong?
Never begin by announcing "I am going to prove so-and-so to you." That's bad. That's tantamount to saying, "I'm smarter that you are. I'm going to tell you a thing or two and make you change your mind."
If you are going to prove anything, don't let anybody know it. Do it so subtly , so adroitly, that no one will feel that you are doing it.
"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him to find it within himself." - Galileo
"I may be wrong. I frequently am. Let's examine the facts."
You will never get into trouble by admitting that you may be wrong. That will stop all argument and inspire your opponent to be just as fair and open and broadminded as you are. It will make him want to admit that be, too, may be wrong.
When we are wrong , we may admit it to ourselves. And if we are handled gently and tactfully, we may admit it to others and even take pride in our frankness and broad-mindedness.
"I am convinced now that nothing good is accomplished and a lot of damage can be done if you tell a person straight out that he or she is wrong. You only succeed in stripping that person of self-dignity and making yourself an unwelcome part of any discussion."
Two thousand years ago, Jesus said: "Agree with thine adversary quickly."
"Be diplomatic. It will help you gain your point." - King Akhtoi of Egypt
In other words, don't argue with your customer or your spouse or your adversary. Don't tell them they are wrong, don't get them stirred up. Use a little diplomacy.
Principle 2: Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say, "You're wrong."
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