Persuasion
Strengthening the argument of the opposition in an argument or debate in order to knock it down. A weaker argument may be easier to counter but this may make your overall position less convincing.A: This project is junk and we should throw it in the trash.
B: Well, if you're saying that this project is delayed and has issues, this is certainly true. Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to investigate ways to solve these issues and move forward before throwing several million dollars work of effort in the trash.
B: Well, if you're saying that this project is delayed and has issues, this is certainly true. Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to investigate ways to solve these issues and move forward before throwing several million dollars work of effort in the trash.
Saving Face
A steel man can be used to help someone save face.Teacher: Where is Spain?
Student: Africa
Class: Laughter
Teacher: Yes, good point. While Spain is in Europe it is the closest European country to Africa where it is separated by only about 9 miles at the Strait of Gibraltar.
Student: Africa
Class: Laughter
Teacher: Yes, good point. While Spain is in Europe it is the closest European country to Africa where it is separated by only about 9 miles at the Strait of Gibraltar.
Self-Deprecation
Deflecting an insult or criticism by strengthening it first. This is an advanced technique that requires self-confidence and wit to pull off. However, it can be effective in winning over an audience and making the other side instantly regret their approach.A: Well, because you're company is so small you may not understand these things.
B: Yes, my firm is small. The smallest. Perhaps your firm has 100x times the revenue of mine. I think it's great that you're proud of your position in a large firm. However, this is about strategy and not a contest of status. If you have to hide behind the size of your firm and the importance of your position than I have to wonder if its because you lack any real strategy.
B: Yes, my firm is small. The smallest. Perhaps your firm has 100x times the revenue of mine. I think it's great that you're proud of your position in a large firm. However, this is about strategy and not a contest of status. If you have to hide behind the size of your firm and the importance of your position than I have to wonder if its because you lack any real strategy.
Influencing
A steel man is commonly used to avoid directly disagreeing with someone you are trying to influence.Customer: So this house can be built by June right?
Builder: You are correct, this type of house can be built within months once the permit is received. However, the permit itself won't likely be received until July or August.
Builder: You are correct, this type of house can be built within months once the permit is received. However, the permit itself won't likely be received until July or August.
Collaboration
Steelmanning is useful for collaboration whereby you try to build upon the input of others even if their suggestions are somewhat absurd or weak.Executive: Perhaps we can revive that failed project from 5 years ago and just fix it up and launch it.
Engineer: You mean we could use project artifacts such as the requirements and update them to reflect all the change to our business in the past five years?
Engineer: You mean we could use project artifacts such as the requirements and update them to reflect all the change to our business in the past five years?
Summary
The practice of strengthening an argument before refuting it.
| Overview: Steel Man | ||
Type | ||
Definition | The practice of making someone's argument stronger. | |
Also Known As | Steelman | |
Verb Form | Steelmanning | |
Opposite Of | Strawman | |
Related Concepts | ||
