It's very important to realize the power of words. There are words that when you agree to their use in a discussion put you at an inherent disadvantage. By using those words with someone who disagrees with you, you are, in essence, ceding the first point.
Don't do this.
A great example is the word "debunk."
When someone who disagrees with you claims something you have said or believe has been "debunked" it is in the best interest of the truth to correct them that whether something has been "debunked" or not is a matter of opinion. You wish to deal only in facts. You will cede that your idea is not accepted by all and disputed by people the other party may find credible, but that is as far as you are willing to go on that point before continuing the conversation.
"X theory has been debunked."
"I'm aware that X theory is relatively new and may sound crazy to some, even to very seemingly educated people, but I'm afraid the most I'm willing to cede at this point is that it is in dispute. When I am satisfied that you are correct and I am not then I will happily agree to the OPINION that such an idea has been debunked, but until then, as far as I am concerned, there are two camps on this issue, and at the moment, you and I are simply in different camps. I am willing to listen to why you believe I am wrong though."
Don't let people bully you with the word "debunk." Correct them, and force them to agree that it is merely in dispute.
I used to do this a lot but it becomes confrontational. What I have found more successful is to encourage them, agreeing with them, asking questions along the way like "wow yeah but how was it actually debunked?" "wait so it was just some guy who said it? where's the proof?" etc.
After a few questions they eventually come to realise their dilemma. Or revert to throwing insults kek. Last one called me a religious bigot even though I had said nothing about either 😂
Perfect!
Remove the ‘but’ and ‘actually’
For a written document I'd agree, unless you were writing conversation and wanted a particular voice and rhythm for the character. In real-world conversation, I think the "delete useless words" rule is less important than tone of voice and other factors.
I usually start by asking what debunked means.
I don't have time for the "debunk" crowd. In my mind I say "pound sand" and move on.
I agree with taking the argument away from the other side. The "that's been debunked" argument is a good example. I have just started saying: "Yeah, I don't believe that". and shrug my shoulders, or lightly scoff. It implies that if they believe the reasonable idea is debunked, you think they are gullible, without actually saying you think they are gullible.
Then, anyone who tries to get you to commit to a "theory", or any type of position, don't give them ammo. Just express the knowledge that we have been lied to repeatedly for decades. And, that you have wised up to the lies, and will no longer listen. I will say things like, "I don't know what is the truth, but that nonsense they are trying to sell is certainly not the truth.
When I was growing up my parents always used to say "don't believe everything you hear on the news" but now if you say it you are a right wing conspiracy theorist.
But tbh the "arguments" they come up with these days are usually so retarded its easy to just let them self implode. Last question I got asked by a twitter person was "yeah but how is putting lgbt content in cartoons targeting children??"
Hunter's laptop was debunked too, until it wasn't.
All kind of 'conspiracy' threories could be fitted to that sentence. Just pick a few.
Truth it!
You make good words fren.
I ask them to explain how its been debunked - by facts, not opinion. They usually stutter, get more angry and walk off. Thats when I respond with roaring laughter.
My usual response to "That's been debunked" is: "By whom?"
The usual answer is something along the lines of "Uh, I heard it somewhere. Go educate yourself, you Conspiracy Theorist!"
I respond with, "No. It hasn't. That's propaganda."
Yes, thank God we are still able to take care of this problem with words instead of the alternative. And the left is MASTERFUL at manipulating words and definitions to slink by and commit evil.
Our work is cut out for us, and we need to be aware of every trick they use (whether consciously or unconsciously) so we can stick to the truth. For their sake and for ours.