Switch Perspective

Saying things like 'I understand why you'd feel that way...' or 'Anyone would feel like that in the same situation' validates the other person's emotions and completely disarms them.

Words like "everybody, always, never" are broad generalizations.

They make your point unbelievable, while also angering whoever you're talking to.

Losing your temper will only anger the other person, which will heighten the argument.

If you can keep things calm, you might even be able to stop the argument. 

If the other person is truly getting out of control, it's often best to disengage. A perfect phrase to drop is: 'If you say so.'

Go back to the concept of talking with someone rather than talking to someone.

It can help keep the other person cool, which pretty much always means you've won the argument.

Quoting incorrect information weakens your point, which is essentially an automatic loss. 

Check your facts and avoid yelling about any old thing. If you aren't sure about something, you can always say, "I'd need to look into that."

The best way to keep an argument calm is to be as kind as possible. Respectfully acknowledge the other person's viewpoint, even if you don't agree with it.

Say things like "I see what you're saying there," or "That's a good point." 

During an argument, think like a salesperson and try to be as persuasive as possible. Facts don't persuade, emotions do.

To pull on the other person's heartstrings, toss in some imagery or relate the story back to them. Hopefully, they'll calm down and see things your way.

Instead of casting blame and saying things like "you did this" and "you did that," try using "I" statements.

An 'I' statement stops people from becoming defensive when bringing up a topic of concern.