Providing Proof

In case I'm too boring...

Otherwise, keep reading.

When someone you are in discussion with asks for your proof and your context for a point you are making, the response 'that is unnecessary' is not appropriate--unless you can show why proof is unecessary. You are trying to persuade someone. It is not yours to say what needs substatiating and what doesn't when it comes to their opinion. They require the proof they require. And besides, later when you ask them for proof, they are likely to throw that time when you said it wasn't necessary back at you and leave you looking hypocritical--not awfully useful when being persuasive.

Also remember that what constitutes proof for you and what constitutes proof for them is likely to be different. Therefore, you may feel your points have been adequately substatiated while they feel that they are empty claims. At this point, you can reconsider the strength of your proof and they also can reconsider their requirements. If this is not done, you both risk letting the discussion become an unhelpful, painful arguement.

Nobody's perfect. Give grace when someone does look hypocritical and allow space for them to intergrate new facts, new proof--let them change their mind. After all, if you are trying to convince them you are right, you hope that they will eventually change their mind.

Here's to peaceful, logical arguement! The goal is not always to make them change but rather to make you both think.