How to win an argument (at the US Supreme Court, or anywhere) | Neal Katyal | TED Talk

In his TED Talk “How to win an argument (at the US Supreme Court, or anywhere),” Neal Katyal shares his experience of arguing a crucial case in the Supreme Court, where he represented Osama bin Laden’s driver. He reveals that the conventional wisdom of speaking with confidence is not always the key to negotiation and persuasion. Instead, he argues that empathy is the key to persuading others. To get into someone else’s head, he suggests creating a connection with them by holding their hand, using personal items, and connecting with the listener. Katyal emphasizes that displays of emotion during an argument fail to persuade the listener. We are encouraged to practice persuasive arguments by connecting with others on a human level.