Defend Your Real Position

When someone straw-mans you, answer with precision:

• Correct the record fast: "That is not my argument. My actual position is..."
• Make them restate your point before they critique it — this forces accuracy
• Write your position down ahead of time so distortions are obvious
• Resist the urge to straw man back — it just escalates into a farce
• Use the principle of charity: read others' arguments in their strongest form, and demand the same

The antidote is the steel man — strengthening your opponent's argument before you respond. Beat the best version of their case and you have actually won.