I argue very well. Ask any of my remaining friends. I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me. — Dave Barry People have thousands of conversations a year, but few spend time to reflect on what they could do better. Productive conversation is a skill like any other, and mastering it is well worth the effort. Here are 12 rules for drastically increasing the quality of your discourse—some are specifically for arguments, and some are universal.