Resisting persuasion is something that may be somewhat difficult to do, if you are easily convinced. However, preventing it, especially if you do not want to be persuaded, is something that can be done in a compliant and submissive manner. There is no need to be defensive or confrontational in you demeanor when dealing with a person, so willing to persuade you, as the article suggests. Granted some of the other points are accurate.

Persuasion goes hand in hand with being a good listener, you want to be persuaded and want to persuade people you must listen. The art of communication is through listening and being able to express yourself in an eloquent and “colourful manner, you can not do that properly without the party’s involved, listening. (Sévigny) You must then make yourself worth listening to, by choosing your words wisely to create a more intimate inter-personal relationship with you, the speaker and your audience, It’s essential for making things understandable. Using gestures, being conducive to others (being aware of their unique learning and processing of information styles), using examples, telling stories of your own experiences to build connectivity with them, respecting your audience, building credibility and being open minded are all aspects to be considered when trying to convey a message. (Sévigny)

Yes all of the above are imperative if you would like to be persuaded or create contemplation in one’s mind but even if you don’t. Arguments, conversations and interactions with people in general are all based on gaining clarity, voicing your opinion, learning, and obtaining information, which is what listening enables you to do. Unlike Walter Lippmann, a 19^th century advocate for modern journalism, who said information makes arguments meaningless and unnecessary, in contrast William James and John Dewey were quick to say that, it is in fact questions that come up during arguments that create useful information. (Lasch, 216) Amen to that, because argumentation and information work side-by-side, like pieces to a puzzle, they just fit.

In depth argument (that includes listening attentively), is what governs persuasion. There are two differing viewpoints to a particular topic that one is trying to convince the other person to change their mind on. It’s a way of communicating with numerous people on varying levels, to not only learn but validate your points, so that when it comes to them, determining which side to choose, they make an informed decision, baring all facts (presented) in mind.

If you were to jump down the other person’s throat, start shouting them down aggressively and condescendingly, they lose respect for you and their willingness to listen, because you are being extremely impolite. Thus losing their inclination to listen, defeats the purpose of you even discussing the matter any further with them. That, and it’s not the most appropriate way of stating your opinion. People don’t respond well to belligerent behaviour. Persuasion is all about getting into an argument but in a controlled manner, one that bodes well for an equal sharing of information and high regard for the other person’s point of view.

Showing interest in you opponent’s perspectives in verbal rhetoric is critical in building on your own, and learning, a great deal on common interests.

You must be open to hearing their side, being receptive and letting it be known that you won't dismiss them or their ideas so quickly. Despite the fact that you may be reluctant to agree with them, or that what they are telling you falls under your latitude of rejection (Adler, Rodman, and Alexandre 477, 478) does not mean that you should attack them with verbal verse to prove your point is just, because it won’t be, rather it would be the opposite.

The other techniques listed on the link at the start of this blog, are all extreme ways to obliterate persuasion and there are minor, more subtle and low key ways that won’t leave you with a reputation as a cynical dominating person. Some of them are and can be satisfactorily handled with little militancy.

Sévigny, A., Lecture 7 – “What is Listening?”, Wednesday, October 7

Lasch, Christopher. "The Lost Art of Argument." Media Studies Journal. (1991): 216. Print

Adler, Ronald B., George Rodman, and Sévigny Alexandre. Understanding Human Communication. Canadian. Don Mills, ON, Canada: Oxford University Press, 2008. 477, 478. Print.