Coaching practices for Refutational Persuasion
Describe almost anything you are working through and IX Coach finds the practices whose real-world fit is closest. For Refutational Persuasion, these are the strongest matches in the current practice library.
Does this sound like the set of challenges you might be facing?
- There’s one obvious hole in my case and I keep wanting to just not mention it
- I get someone on board, and then they go talk to someone who pushes back, and by the time I see them again they’ve quietly drifted right back to where they started
- When I disagree with someone I go straight for the rebuttal, and even when I’m right it makes them defensive and nothing changes
- I notice I’m really arguing against this person
- I catch myself arguing against the weakest, dumbest version of what they said
Practices that may help
- Use two-sided messages with a sophisticated audience
Acknowledge the strongest objection, then refute it — this is more persuasive than ignoring it.
Elaboration Likelihood Model, Made Practical - Inoculate against counter-persuasion
Expose people to weakened counter-arguments so they build resistance before a real attack arrives.
Elaboration Likelihood Model, Made Practical - Apply Dennett’s four rules for critical commentary
Before criticizing: restate charitably, list agreements, name what you’ve learned, then — and only then — rebut.
Steelmanning - Separate the argument from the arguer
Address the claim on its merits, not the person’s motives or character.
Productive Disagreement, Made Practical - Steel-man before you rebut
Restate the opposing view in its strongest form before you argue against it.
Productive Disagreement, Made Practical - Practice "Tell me more" — defer rebuttal until genuine understanding
Respond to an opposing view with curiosity before you respond with counter-argument.
The Third Alternative, Made Practical - Restate the opposing view before responding to it
Summarize the other position in a form they would endorse before you say anything critical.
Steelmanning - Ask two genuine questions before you push back
Slow down the rebuttal reflex with genuine curiosity about the other view.
Productive Disagreement, Made Practical - Lead with argument quality on the central route
When your audience is engaged and able, weak arguments actively backfire — make every point earn its place.
Elaboration Likelihood Model, Made Practical - Steelman the opposing view before rebutting it
Reconstruct the strongest possible version of the argument you disagree with — then respond to that.
Naive Realism: Why Everyone Thinks They See Things as They Are
Related concerns
- Acknowledging Counter Arguments
For each supporting reason, find the best counter and put it on the map.
Add the strongest objection to every major supporting reason
- Defer Rebuttal
Respond to an opposing view with curiosity before you respond with counter-argument.
Practice "Tell me more" — defer rebuttal until genuine understanding
- Counterargument Generation
For each supporting reason, find the best counter and put it on the map.
- When Productive Disagreement Steel Manning
Restate the opposing view in its strongest form before you argue against it.
Steel-man before you rebut
- When Steelmanning Apply Dennetts Four Rules
Before criticizing: restate charitably, list agreements, name what you’ve learned, then — and only then — rebut.
Apply Dennett’s four rules for critical commentary
- Curiosity Before Rebuttal
Slow down the rebuttal reflex with genuine curiosity about the other view.
Ask two genuine questions before you push back
Describe your situation in your own words to search the complete practice library.