I was coaching an executive on influencing skills this week. I taught him a technique that I have found incredibly powerful. So powerful, you can even use it to great effect, with evil intent.

The Earth is getting warmer. That's a fact. And as the Earth gets warmer, we expect to see larger and stronger hurricanes. Also a fact. But there are folks denying these facts, even to the point of blaming the liberal media for the fact that hurricanes are in the news.

Over the last couple of years there have been some significant public debates where the results have defied belief - at least, the beliefs of some people. We've had the Brexit vote, the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency and we are facing a similar debate in Australia over the same-sex marriage vote.

On both sides of all these, and numerous other debates, are two broad schools of argument. And when that happens, there's little chance of a coherent debate.

Half an hour had passed and I sat in my car, waiting for my habitually tardy friend to arrive so I could help her move. Resentment and anger started to build. But when she texted, "So sorry, be there soon," I replied, "No worries! Take your time :) " I'd had it. I was really sick of this being nice shit.

When you're negotiating, the more information you have on the issue the better. This simple trick makes the other person feel heard and earns you more info to work with.