Stuck in a Debate? 7 Steps for Confusing Someone in an Argument

Last Updated: August 12, 2021 References

Sometimes an argument feels like it's going nowhere, but you don't know how to end it. Other times, you feel like you'll stop at nothing to win the argument once and for all. In either case, confusing your opponent can be a big help. This article has some tips on how to do just that. Though you should never use these tactics to hurt or embarrass someone, read on if you want to confuse them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 10:
Change the subject out of nowhere.

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This will really throw off off the person you're arguing with. Just as your opponent thinks they've won, respond with a totally unrelated topic. Give them a compliment, text them a picture of your favorite plant, or say something completely random like, "I love poodles!" The person you're arguing with probably won't have any idea how to respond.
- Maybe an argument with your sibling is getting really heated. Shake things up by responding, "That's an amazing sweater you're wearing."
- If you're having a text argument, respond with a humorous picture that has nothing to do with the topic, like a Spongebob Squarepants meme or a funny picture of your cat.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 10:
Respond to skeptical or mean questions matter-of-factly.

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Instead of getting insulted, pretend like they're simply asking a question. Let's say your opponent gets worked up enough to shout something like, "How on earth could you believe that?" Answer the question calmly in a friendly tone of voice, as if they're just confused. Most likely, they won't know how to respond!^{[1]
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- Let's say the person you're arguing with just said something like, "What kind of argument is that?" Try responding with, "Funny you should ask, I've actually been developing this argument since college! It all started on my first day of school..."

Method 3

Method 3 of 10:
Use (or misuse) difficult words.

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That way your opponent will struggle to follow along. When you're arguing, employ as many long and baffling words in 1 sentence as you can. Don't even worry about using them correctly. It'll just mystify the person you're debating with even more.^{[2]
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- Say something like, "Despite my quarrelsome nature, I would never make a spurious point. I am indubitably skilled."
- You can also try, "I'm nothing if not obstreperous! My argument may seem abstruse, but that's just because of its multifarious nature. It's actually quite pellucid when you think about it."
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Method 4

Method 4 of 10:
Ask "how" instead of "why."

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This can help you poke holes in their argument. When your opponent defends why they believe what they believe, push them to be specific. Ask how something works, or how their belief would play out in reality. Many people may be able to justify why they believe something. Less have the background knowledge to explain how exactly their belief system would play out in day-to-day life.^{[3]
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- This works really well if you're having a political debate. Let's say someone you're arguing with doesn't believe in climate change. Ask them how they would justify that belief when temperatures are rising across the globe.
- Ask, "I understand that you think climate change is a myth, but if that's the case, how would you explain the melting polar ice caps?"

Method 5

Method 5 of 10:
Respond in long, complex sentences.

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The more run-ons, the better. To really confound your opponent, make your sentences as long as possible. You can even use things like double-negatives and incredibly specific, nonsensical connections to throw off your opponent.^{[4]
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- Try, "My point has to be true because my uncle's other nephew's cousin's friend told me that it couldn't not be true."
- You can also say, "Your argument contradicts a great lesson I learned from my grandpa's favorite book that he borrowed from his friend Roger and never gave back because he forgot it on a train, so then he had to buy a replacement."
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Method 6

Method 6 of 10:
Ask your opponent weird questions.

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Make these as far from the topic as possible to completely stump them. During the middle of the argument, stop and ask the person a question. Be genuinely curious in your delivery. This will likely prompt them to answer the question sincerely, making them forget what they were talking about originally.
- Interrupt the argument with, "Just curious, but are you allergic to any foods?" or "If you could be any celebrity on earth, who would you pick?"

Method 7

Method 7 of 10:
Go silent and stare at your opponent.

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Sudden silence will throw the person you're arguing with off track. When they make a point and expect you to respond, remain silent and stare intensely into their eyes. Keep doing it even if the person you're arguing with asks you what you're doing or why. Most likely, the person will have no idea how to move forward with the argument.
- To make your behavior even more confusing, take a few steps back and keep staring.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 10:
Use distractions.

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Interrupting the argument with a diversion will perplex them. Be as zany as possible. Take some confetti out of your pocket and throw it into the air. Queue up some party music on your phone and start dancing out of nowhere. Point in the direction behind the person and say, "Who's that?!" even if there's no one there. When the two of you return to the argument at hand, the person you're speaking with will have a hard time remembering what they were saying.^{[5]
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- Other ideas include screaming for no reason, doing a cartwheel, and telling a knock-knock joke.

Method 9

Method 9 of 10:
Remain calm and friendly no matter what.

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Show your opponent that their argument has no effect on you. Maintain relaxed body language (avoid appearing stiff or uncomfortable), smile, and be kind.^{[6]
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Go to source} Do your best not to match your opponent's anger. If they start yelling or getting annoyed, try your best to stay cool, calm, and collected. The person that you're arguing with will likely be super confused by how unfazed you are, and they may even give up the fight.^{[7]
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- This will keep things civil and really confuse the person at the same time.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 10:
Do your best to be respectful.

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Confuse this person, but don't demean or humiliate them. No matter how much you want to win the argument, avoid name-calling, making fun of the person, or insulting them. It's just not worth it, and it won't leave you feeling any better.^{[8]
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- Avoid saying anything like "You're not smart enough to understand" or "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard." Insulting someone's intelligence won't confuse them. Most likely, it'll just hurt their feelings.