Intelligence Squared Mehdi Hasan On How To Win Every Argument - Part 1
May 7, 2023
Join Mehdi Hasan, an award-winning journalist and the host of the Mehdi Hasan Show, as he dives into the art of winning arguments. He shares his unique approach to spontaneous debate, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience. Hasan also discusses the value of empathetic argumentation and the ethical implications of personal attacks in debates. With insights on the power of storytelling, he illustrates how personal narratives can make complex issues more relatable and persuasive.
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Unorthodox Debating
- Mehdi Hassan didn't do traditional competitive debating in school, preferring to argue with teachers.
- At Oxford, he debated Boris Johnson, mocking his lack of substance, then secured a Spectator internship.
Play the Ball and the Player
- Challenge the person and their argument, especially when playing to an audience.
- Exposing credibility flaws is crucial in public debates where trust is key.
Gotcha Moment
- Mehdi Hassan used a Christian Science Monitor quote to expose Mamoun Fandy's past contradictory stance on Saudi Arabia's influence.
- This "gotcha" moment highlighted Fandy's hypocrisy and weakened his argument.
