Argue the best version.
Steelmanning means restating the other side's view in its strongest form before you respond. It's the opposite of a strawman.
1. Restate
Say It Back
“So your view is…”
- Keep going until they say
- “Yes, exactly that”
- No rebuttal yet
2. Strengthen
Add Their Best Case
“And the strongest reason is…”
- Add evidence they missed
- Name what they fear
- Find what's true in it
3. Respond
Now Disagree
“Here's where I land, and why.”
- Engage the strong version
- Name the shared goal
- Disagree on specifics
Understand it before you argue with it.