Dialectic, communication without wooden tongue

Catchy titles, which appeal… Dialectic is an art well mastered by many professions such as journalism, or politics. It aims above all to be impactful for the listener, or who reads. In a world where the means of communication are multiplying, and where we must always go to the essentials… Dialectic finds its place, a place of choice. A way of saying in a few words the essence of his thought.

The dialectic, at the heart of trade negotiations

Dialectic has its place everywhere, both within the media and at the very heart of companies. It is used in particular to argue, and to counter arguments made by his interlocutor. This technique is particularly used in trade negotiations, and allows for a balance of power. Thus, it is important for a leader or for managers to be trained in this art that involves both linguistics and physical attitude. To accompany them, some companies make it their workhorse, such as Nelta, which offers a communication coaching service. During discussions with interlocutors who do not wish to build a dialogue, but to move towards an “oral struggle”, dialectic then occupies a central role.

Businessman trading office
The dialectic is sometimes used in heated negotiations.

Oral combat. A strong term, yet crying out for reality. For a negotiation, the objective of each party is to be able to obtain the advantage, the ascendancy over the other, and this by all means. An exercise that requires always having arguments to carry out each exchange, parades to succeed in destroying each objection. Such a negotiation can easily be akin to a war, with the only weapon of speech. Thus, there are a multitude of ways to “win” a heated negotiation or exchange through dialectic. Destabilize the interlocutor by adopting an expressive posture through gestures, facial expressions… But also know how to remain neutral in the face of counter-arguments and attacks.

Destabilizing arguments, the recipe for assured success

Many people use dialectic to take the upper hand over the interlocutor and make a reaction. In debates, especially in elections, people who face each other have the same objective: to convince, and to discredit on the form of the other. This dialectic can be found everywhere: on the media such as radio, television… In the press, but also via new means of communication,such as social networks. A tweet, however short, can have a dialectical impact on a person or group of people. The “big headlines” in the newspapers also have this dimension: a short but impactful sentence, which takes a stand on a subject. This is a practice that has become common on a daily basis, and not only in business.

However, in a debate, using dialectic does not help to advance the exchange. Indeed, it only has an effect on form, but is not constructive. Thus, even if it is perfectly mastered, it should not constitute the main part of the discussion… At the risk of having only a sterile debate, without concrete progress. An art, of course, but to be used in moderation!

Sources:

Nelta website, Dialectic Training Offers

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