I don’t read very many blogs.
And I’m on even fewer mailing lists.
I just don’t have the time or attention span anymore. And, unfortunately, most emails and blogs bore me to tears.
But there’s one blog I read daily — Vox Day’s.
Vox (not his real name, obviously) is a game design expert, libertarian political columnist, author of numerous books and member of Mensa.
He’s also a master at “filleting” people in debates.
In fact, I once heard someone refer to him as a “cruelty artist” — as (usually) when any of the thousands of people reading his books and columns tries schooling him on politics, religion, economics or science, they end up humbled, humiliated and crying for their mamas.
And guess what?
Recently, he revealed part of his debate “methodology.”
And within his methodology you can find some excellent sales, marketing and persuasion principles — most of which are easily applied to either your sales and marketing, or for spanking someone in a debate or argument.
You can read all about it at:
But for now, here are a few highlights:
1. Don’t debate anyone (about anything) before asking LOTS of questions and doing your “homework” first
2. Know your opponent’s argument BETTER than he/she does
3. Never pretend to know what you don’t know
4. Respond in the same tone you’re addressed in
5. If you’re proven wrong, admit it
Anyway, lots of persuasion gold in them thar hills at that link.
I hope you find it as fun and useful as I have.
Ben Settle
P.S. For lots more persuasion tips (used by some of history’s most successful salesmen, marketers and negotiators), check out Crackerjack Selling Secrets (almost ready for release):
