3 Phrases That End Arguments With Stubborn People Fast

We've all been there: presenting clear facts to someone who just won't budge, even when they're clearly wrong. Now a communications expert has a simple strategy to help you escape these frustrating conversations while keeping your sanity intact.

Jefferson Fisher, a lawyer and communications expert who helps people "argue less and talk more," shared three powerful phrases that can end unproductive arguments quickly. His approach went viral because it does something clever: it either helps you exit gracefully or forces the other person to admit they're being unreasonable.

The first phrase is surprisingly simple: "Maybe you're right." Fisher explains you're not actually agreeing with them, but rather choosing your peace over proving a point. When someone insists the sky is purple, sometimes the smartest move is to simply walk away from the argument.

The second phrase is more strategic: "What information would change your opinion?" If they answer that nothing would change their mind, you've just discovered a dead end. Thank them and leave the conversation knowing you tried.

The third phrase is equally revealing: "Are you willing to think differently, or at least see it from my point of view?" A "no" answer tells you everything you need to know about whether this person is worth debating.

Why This Inspires

Fisher's approach flips the script on frustrating arguments. Instead of exhausting yourself trying to convince someone who won't listen, you're asking them to examine their own openness to reason.

The last two phrases are particularly powerful because they require the stubborn person to admit they won't consider new information, no matter what. By exposing their unwillingness to think critically, you free yourself from wasting energy on someone who isn't engaging in good faith.

Persuasion expert Robert Cialdini adds another helpful insight: when people do change their minds, they need a way to save face. Phrases like "Given what we know now, it makes sense to update our thinking" or "At the time, it made total sense" give people a graceful exit from incorrect beliefs.

The reality is that many strongly held beliefs, especially about politics, culture, or religion, are more emotional and social than rational. Changing these views can feel like social suicide, which is why people dig in their heels even when presented with facts.

Fisher's phrases recognize this psychological reality while protecting your mental energy. You're not trying to win every argument; you're choosing which conversations deserve your time and which ones don't.

Sometimes the wisest response to stubbornness is simply walking away with your peace intact.