How to Form an Opinion

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Choose the subject

   This may be anything from whether to fish live baits or artificial lures, the best basketball team, or which religion (or none) you will follow.
   
   Opinions come in many levels of importance.
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   Step 2: or issue you feel the need to have an opinion about.

   This means looking at all sides of the issue, pro and con. , You may be satisfied to read only one article at an online website, or you may research for hours, but until you understand all of the sides of this hypothetical argument, your opinion should not become a conviction. , Be careful not to get a one sided view.
   
   If you want to form an opinion about a topic like college football teams, don't ask just alumni from one school. , Opinions on topics of social significance generate public debate everywhere you go, from the editorial pages of newspapers, to national television news, and many points in between. , The man, or woman on the street does not always have access to all the pertinent information on issues like homeland security, the stock market, or major health issues.
   
   The person on the street will usually have an opinion, though, if they are aware of the issue. , Friends often share your view about many social, or local issues, and if they have formed a solid opinion, they may have reasons for what they believe which will help you form your own. , If you only read the headlines on an issue, especially in a biased media element, you will be led into thinking the way that media element wants you to think.
   
   Often, headlines are worded in such a way to grab attention, and only in the fine print will you find any reasoned, substantially accurate information on the topic. , If someone says, in their opinion, a certain stock will triple in value in a short time, then you may obviously question their opinion.
   
   Often, this "shading" of facts is much more subtle, so educating yourself is the best foundation for forming a coherent view of the topic. ,,
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   Step 3: Look at the process of forming an opinion as an internal argument with yourself

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   Step 4: a mental debate

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   Step 5: so to speak.

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   Step 6: Learn about the subject.

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   Step 7: Talk to other people

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   Step 8: get their opinions on the subject

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   Step 9: and weigh the reasons they feel like they do.

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    Step 10: Listen to discussions

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    Step 11: debates

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    Step 12: and even arguments.

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    Step 13: Find out what recognized experts and professionals have to say about the subject.

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    Step 14: Talk about the issue or subject with your friends.

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    Step 15: Learn to throw out sensationalized or motive generated stories on the subject.

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    Step 16: Ask yourself if what you hear or read is reasonable

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    Step 17: logical

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    Step 18: and realistic.

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    Step 19: Decide what your opinion is on a subject

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    Step 20: be willing to state it

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    Step 21: defend it

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    Step 22: and stand by it

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    Step 23: but have an open mind unless you are thoroughly convinced and willing to argue your point of view.

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    Step 24: Keep your opinion to yourself until you reach the point described above

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    Step 25: unless you are asked for it

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    Step 26: or choose to reveal it in friendly discussion.

Detailed Guide

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