Don’t Fall For This Debate Trap.

How to turn around a dishonest "YES OR NO ONLY" question.

After spending a decade in politics in various roles including 8 full years as an elected lawmaker in the State House, I can tell you I’ve had my fair share of debates, misspeaks, misquotes, and rhetorical chess matches.

Here is a lesson for you to help you understand the devices people use to manipulate the narrative and a note about how to avoid it and come out on top.

LESSON TIME.

Forcing somebody into answering “ONLY YES OR NO” to a question where clearly the answer depends on context or otherwise involves nuance is a highly manipulative debate tactic. It is not fair or intellectually honest way to engage complex topics.

When somebody does this to you, they are trying to:

1. Corner you into sounding unreasonable no matter what you say.

2. Oversimplify a complex issue to misrepresent your views.

3. Avoid meaningful discussion by reducing a complex issue into binary terms.

"Win" rather than understand your position or more clearly understand the issue.

SOLUTION:

Whenever someone tries to do this to you, turn it back around on them by stating:

“This isn’t a yes, or no question and answering that way could misrepresent the truth. “

And then follow up by asking:

“Am I free to offer context with my answer?”

If they say YES, then provide your context.

If they say NO, they’ve just exposed themselves for not being interested in the truth, or the issue.