If you're serious, I would first suggest that the easiest way to "win" a debate is to not debate at all. Just know that you're right, and move on. The only real reason to prove other people wrong is to prove to yourself that you're right, and considering that you will almost never change anyone's opinions through debate, and that almost all debates have no consequence, debates are usually just battles of attrition.
And because of that, the most important quality you would need is a thick skin (but an open mind); don't let anyone coerce you into admitting anything besides with logic.
2nd, you need to stay calm and analyze what is being said rationally in order not to give your opponents any unnecessary cannon fodder.
3rd, study up on both proper logic and logical fallacies. People will use sophistry, and a wide variety of techniques to confuse you, subtly change the subject, or trap you into saying something contradictory, often without even realizing what they're doing. You need to understand all these techniques to stay above the fray, although sometimes the only way to fight fire is with fire.
Last but not least, it takes some experience to know what kind of person you're arguing against, what's the most effect approach for a person, and also when to abandon ship. Some debates are not worth winning, and some people are just too far gone: trying to convince a schizophrenic that aliens aren't after him lands you off a cliff of diminishing returns.
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And because of that, the most important quality you would need is a thick skin (but an open mind); don't let anyone coerce you into admitting anything besides with logic.
2nd, you need to stay calm and analyze what is being said rationally in order not to give your opponents any unnecessary cannon fodder.
3rd, study up on both proper logic and logical fallacies. People will use sophistry, and a wide variety of techniques to confuse you, subtly change the subject, or trap you into saying something contradictory, often without even realizing what they're doing. You need to understand all these techniques to stay above the fray, although sometimes the only way to fight fire is with fire.
Last but not least, it takes some experience to know what kind of person you're arguing against, what's the most effect approach for a person, and also when to abandon ship. Some debates are not worth winning, and some people are just too far gone: trying to convince a schizophrenic that aliens aren't after him lands you off a cliff of diminishing returns.