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The best arguers I know have a special knack that enables them to predict any criticism that could come against them. Additionally, a good arguer confronts the argument and defends his original argument with facts.
Doing this really throws an audience for a loop. Generally, the audience isn’t looking for ways to criticize a speaker and by taking a criticism, analyzing it, and showing that your argument holds true, it shows that the speaker has thought deeply about the subject.
A great way to predict any criticism is to surround yourself with people that do not always agree with you. Try joining groups that are out of your “norm”. Or, try creating a group of friends that are completely different. Or try hiring people that don’t always agree with you. Friends have a horrible habit of sugar-coating things or saying things to avoid confrontation… The protagonist cannot exist without the antagonist.
I agree! Man, thats right on.
I hate talking to people who agree with me, because whether or not I have a valid argument, they will just agree with me. What a waste of time.
This is the main reason I visit http://www.sciprose.com and talk to the lunatic over there ;). It’s also was pretty interesting to have lengthy email discussions with Mark Thomas (http://www.godlessgeeks.com/WhyAtheism.htm). It’s amazing how much it helps your own beliefs/arguments when you are challenged to represent them accurately.