How to Steel-Man

Follow these steps:

• Listen fully — do not plan your rebuttal while they speak
• Find their core concern — what value or fear drives their position?
• Drop the weakest parts and focus on the strongest
• Restate their view in the most compelling way you can
• Check with them: "Is this a fair representation of your view?"

That last step matters most. If they say "no, that is not what I mean," ask them to clarify and try again. The goal is not a version that is convenient for you to knock down — it is one they would proudly claim. Get it right and you earn respect, and you reveal the real substance of the disagreement.