Real life discussions never again

[Gilgamesh]

I would suggest that if you find yourself in such conversations, slow yourself down, let the other finish before responding, lower your expectations some, speak simply and concretely, ask more questions, and accept that, whether live or memorex, persuasion is a rather high bar to meet.

I am very non-confrontational in person. For every 10 minutes of speech by him, I make 1 minutes worth (This is an estimation but by no means a purposeful exaggeration.) Sincerely, what you suggest is already my normal means of orated communication. This guy talks a lot, and a lot of the stories he tells me are fabrication, I believe (unless you believe he played Battlefield with Jon Stewart and that he was asked to join mensa.) I nod my head and pretend to consider his endless rambling, most the time. The few times I speak up, I usually end up regretting it.