Have you ever been in the heat of the moment, and someone is yelling at you, and you get overrun with emotion and shut down and can’t think?
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could remain calm during that time, and strategize a way out of the argument?
Being calm and not saying the first thing that comes to your mind is an awesome trait, which, I think, can be learned. The trick is to be confident enough in yourself to not have doubts about your stance in the argument, just enough to rationally think about the other person’s perspective and respond accordingly.
I am by no means perfect at this. There are times when I get overwhelmed by the other person’s argument that I don’t make the best decision. Hindsight is 20/20: after something has happened, then you tend to see what the appropriate path should have been.
In business, I try to lean on my partner for help. Sometimes I go out on my own, and my partner, who is more seasoned than I, will tell me I need to try X next time.
Sometimes, I get things right. I counter the argument, say the right thing, and make the right move.
In teaching, sometimes discussions and questions come up with my students. Whenever something happens, I try to deal with it in the best way possible, so that all parties feel they have achieved something.
Be confident in yourself enough to not doubt your position and make a sound argument. Be the person that holds their cool under fire.