Steelmanning: The Debate Technique That Actually Changes Minds

The Counterintuitive Way to Win Arguments

Here's how most people debate:

1. Find the weakest version of your opponent's argument
2. Attack that weak version
3. Declare victory
4. Wonder why nobody changed their mind

This is called straw-manning. And it feels good—but it doesn't work.

Here's the counterintuitive alternative:

1. Find the strongest version of your opponent's argument
2. Argue against that
3. If you still win, you've actually won

This is steelmanning. And it's the most powerful debate technique nobody uses.

What Is Steelmanning?

Steelman: To present the best possible version of your opponent's argument—even better than they presented it—before refuting it.

Example:

Weak (Straw Man):

"You think we should raise minimum wage? So you want small businesses to go bankrupt? That's ridiculous."

Strong (Steelman):

"I understand the argument for raising minimum wage: Workers can't afford basic necessities on current wages, and consumer spending would increase if workers earned more. That's a compelling point. However, here's why I think there's a better approach..."

See the difference?

• Straw man: Attack a weak/distorted version
• Steelman: Strengthen their argument, then defeat the strong version

Why Steelmanning Is So Powerful

1. It Earns Respect

When you accurately represent someone's position—or even improve it—they feel heard.

The psychology: People don't change their minds when they feel attacked. They change when they feel understood.

Steelmanning signals: "I hear you. I've thought about this seriously."

2. It Forces You to Think Harder

Straw-manning is lazy. You attack the easiest target.

Steelmanning is work. You have to:

• Understand their actual reasoning
• Find the strongest evidence supporting their view
• Identify the best version of their argument
• Then find flaws in that strong version

Result: Your counterargument becomes stronger because you're wrestling with the real challenge.

3. It Changes the Audience's Mind (Even If Your Opponent Doesn't)

In public debates, your opponent might never concede.

But the audience is watching.

When you steelman:

• You look intellectually honest
• Your opponent looks reasonable (which makes you look secure)
• Your rebuttal is more credible because you defeated the strong version

Observers think: "They engaged with the actual argument and still made a good case. Maybe they're right."

4. It Prevents You from Winning the Wrong Battle

Here's the danger of straw-manning:

You might "win" the argument against the weak version... while the strong version still stands.

Example:

• Straw man: "Climate activists just want to ban all cars!" (Easily dismissed)
• Reality: They want transition to sustainable energy over decades with economic support for affected workers (Much harder to dismiss)

If you only defeat the straw man, you haven't actually engaged with the real position.

How to Steelman (The 5-Step Process)

Step 1: Listen to Understand, Not to Rebut

Most people don't listen. They wait for their turn to talk.

To steelman, you need to:

• Hear their actual reasoning
• Understand their values and priorities
• Identify what they're really concerned about

Ask yourself: "What's the core concern driving this position?"

Step 2: Summarize Their Position Better Than They Did

Before you argue, restate their view.

Template:

"If I understand correctly, your position is [summary]. And the main reasons are [1, 2, 3]. Is that accurate?"

Two things happen:

1. They correct you if you're wrong (now you're arguing against their actual position)
2. They agree (now they're more open to your response because you demonstrated understanding)

Step 3: Find the Strongest Version of Their Argument

Ask yourself:

"What's the best evidence for their position?" "What would a PhD-level expert on their side say?" "What am I being uncharitable about?"

Example:

Weak version: "Universal healthcare means long wait times."

Strong version: "In countries with universal healthcare, non-emergency procedures often have significant wait times (data: Canada averages X weeks for specialists). For people with urgent needs, this delay could be harmful. Additionally, transitioning systems creates short-term disruption. These are legitimate concerns that need addressing."

Step 4: Acknowledge What They're Right About

Here's the secret: Most positions contain some truth.

Find it. Acknowledge it.

"You're absolutely right that [specific point]. That's a valid concern."

Why this works:

• It builds credibility
• It shows you're not ideologically rigid
• It makes your disagreement more powerful when you explain why, despite that valid point, you still think they're wrong overall

Step 5: Argue Against the Strong Version

Now you make your case.

But here's the key: If you can't defeat the strong version, maybe they're right.

Steelmanning is intellectual humility. Sometimes, you steelman an argument and realize: "Damn, they have a point."

That's not weakness. That's growth.

Real Example: Steelmanning in Action

Topic: "Should College Be Free?"

❌ Straw Man Version

"Free college? Nothing's free! Someone has to pay for it. You just want taxpayers to fund your Gender Studies degree while you complain about capitalism on Twitter."

Problems:

• Misrepresents the proposal (taxpayer-funded, not "free")
• Cherry-picks unpopular major
• Personal attack
• Doesn't engage with actual reasoning

✅ Steelman Version

"The argument for taxpayer-funded college is compelling: Education access shouldn't depend on family wealth. Countries like Germany show this can work—they fund higher education through progressive taxation, and they've produced strong economic outcomes. Student debt is genuinely crushing a generation's economic mobility. These are serious concerns backed by data.

However, I think there's a better approach. Here's why: [proceeds with actual economic analysis]"

Why this works:

• ✅ Acknowledges the real concern (economic mobility)
• ✅ References supporting evidence (Germany)
• ✅ Shows understanding of the goal
• ✅ Then presents alternative with reasoning

Outcome: Even if they disagree with your alternative, they're more likely to engage seriously because you engaged seriously with them.

When Steelmanning Backfires

Steelmanning isn't always the right move.

1. When They're Arguing in Bad Faith

If someone is:

• Moving goalposts
• Ignoring all evidence
• Personally attacking you

Don't bother steelmanning. Save your energy.

Their goal isn't truth—it's domination.

2. When You Don't Actually Understand Their Position

Bad steelman:

"I think you're saying [completely wrong summary]..."

This makes it worse. You look like you're not listening, even though you're trying.

Solution: Ask questions first. Steelman second.

3. When They Misinterpret It as Agreement

Sometimes, when you steelman their position, they think you're agreeing with them.

Clarify immediately:

"To be clear, I'm presenting the strongest version of your argument so I can engage with it honestly. I still disagree, but I want to make sure I'm disagreeing with your actual position."

4. When Your Audience Needs a Clear Opponent

Uncomfortable truth: In highly polarized environments, nuance can look like weakness.

If your audience expects you to "destroy" your opponent, steelmanning might confuse them.

This is a strategic choice, not an intellectual one. Sometimes you choose persuasion over honesty.

Steelmanning vs. Devil's Advocate

People confuse these. They're different:

Devil's Advocate:

• Arguing for a position you don't believe
• Often to test an idea or play

Steelmanning:

• Presenting the strongest version of a position you're about to argue against
• Genuinely trying to understand before refuting

Devil's advocate is theatrical. Steelmanning is intellectual.

The 4Angles Approach to Steelmanning

When you want to steelman an argument, 4Angles helps you see:

SIGNAL (Logical Core)

What's the actual logical structure of their argument?

• Identifies their main premises
• Shows hidden assumptions
• Reveals the core claim

OPPORTUNITY (Best Case Scenario)

What's the strongest possible framing of their position?

• Suggests better versions of their argument
• Identifies compelling evidence they didn't mention
• Shows how an expert on their side would argue

RISK (Weak Points)

Where are the vulnerabilities in the strong version?

• Shows where even the best version fails
• Identifies counterevidence
• Highlights logical gaps that remain

AFFECT (Emotional Core)

What values and concerns drive this position?

• Reveals what they're actually worried about
• Shows the emotional foundation
• Helps you acknowledge their concerns authentically

You can't steelman what you don't understand. 4Angles helps you understand.

How to Practice Steelmanning

Exercise 1: Steelman Your Own Side First

Before debating someone:

1. Write down your position
2. Try to make it even stronger
3. Find evidence you haven't used
4. Anticipate counterarguments

If you can't steelman your own argument, how can you expect to steelman theirs?

Exercise 2: Steelman Someone You Disagree With

Pick a political/social position you oppose.

1. Research the best arguments for that position
2. Find the smartest proponents
3. Write a 500-word essay defending it
4. Then write your rebuttal

This is hard. It's supposed to be.

Exercise 3: The "Convince Me" Challenge

Ask someone you disagree with:

"I want to understand your position as well as you do. Can you help me steelman it? Tell me if I'm representing it accurately."

Two outcomes:

1. You genuinely understand their view (maybe even change your mind)
2. You realize their argument is weaker than you thought (now you can engage honestly)

The Dark Side of Steelmanning

Here's what nobody tells you:

Steelmanning can change your mind.

When you seriously engage with the strongest version of an opposing argument, you might realize:

• They have a point
• Your position has weaknesses
• The issue is more complex than you thought
• You were wrong

For some people, this is terrifying.

For intellectually honest people, this is growth.

Real Example: Steelmanning Changed My Mind

Topic: "Should we ban plastic straws?"

My initial position: "This is virtue-signaling nonsense. Straws are a tiny fraction of ocean plastic."

After steelmanning the opposition:

"The argument isn't that straws are the main problem. It's that visible, everyday changes (like refusing straws) build momentum for larger environmental action. It's about shifting cultural norms. Research on behavior change shows small, concrete actions create identity shifts ('I'm someone who cares about the environment') which lead to bigger changes. Plus, alternative materials exist. The inconvenience is minimal."

Result: I still think straws are overemphasized, but I understand why the movement matters. My position is now more nuanced.

That's what steelmanning does. It makes you smarter.

When to Use Steelmanning (Strategic Guide)

✅ Use Steelmanning When:

• You want to genuinely persuade someone
• There's an audience watching
• You respect your opponent
• You might be wrong
• The issue is complex
• You want to model good faith

❌ Don't Use Steelmanning When:

• They're arguing in bad faith
• You're in a hostile environment where nuance is punished
• You're being personally attacked
• Time is limited and you need clear messaging
• Your audience demands simple answers

Steelmanning is a tool, not a moral imperative.

Your Steelmanning Checklist

Before presenting a counterargument, ask:

✅ Can I summarize their position accurately?

✅ Have I found the strongest evidence for their view?

✅ Have I acknowledged what they're right about?

✅ Would an expert on their side recognize this as their best argument?

✅ Am I arguing against their actual position or a distortion?

If you can't check all boxes, you're not ready to argue yet. Listen more.

The Bottom Line

Most debates are won by whoever sounds most confident.

But minds are changed by whoever engages most honestly.

Steelmanning is hard. It requires:

• Intellectual humility
• Genuine curiosity
• Willingness to be wrong
• Effort to understand

But here's what you get in return:

• Stronger arguments (because you've tested them against the best opposition)
• More respect (because you're engaging honestly)
• More influence (because people trust your judgment)
• Personal growth (because you might learn something)

You can straw-man your way to victory.

Or you can steelman your way to wisdom.

Your choice.

Try It Now: Steelman Any Argument

Paste any argument into 4Angles and see:

• The strongest possible version of the position
• The logical core of their reasoning
• Where the strong version still fails
• How to acknowledge their valid concerns

Steelman arguments free here →

Related Reading

• How to Debate Someone Who Argues in Bad Faith
• Common Logical Fallacies (And Why They Work Anyway)
• Why Facts Don't Change Minds (And What Does)
• The Art of Conceding Points to Win Arguments

The Final Word

Straw-manning is intellectual cowardice.

Steelmanning is intellectual courage.

It takes bravery to engage with the strongest version of a position you oppose.

But that's where real persuasion happens.

Not in defeating weak arguments.

In defeating strong ones.

About 4Angles: We help you see every argument from 4 perspectives—including the strongest version of positions you oppose. Built for people who care more about truth than winning. Because the best way to win is to engage honestly.

Last updated: October 31, 2025