Based on your score on Infante and Rancer's Measure of Argumentativeness, create an action plan for adapting to people who have a different argumentativeness rating than you

What will be an ideal response?

Answers will vary based on the respondent's argumentativeness score.
• Respondents with high argumentativeness scores (between +14 and +40): When communicating with those with lower argumentativeness ratings, these people should be aware that they are probably perceived as being verbally aggressive and will probably be met with defensiveness. They should use feed-forward messages to alert the other about how to process their argumentativeness, such as "I'm not trying to be difficult, but I want to challenge what you said." They should also use responsive behaviors to show their supportiveness, such as leaning forward, using direct eye contact, head nodding, and using back channeling cues, such as "Uh huh, "I see," etc.
• Respondents with low argumentativeness scores (between -5 and – 25): When communicating with those with higher argumentativeness ratings, these people should inform them about what they want them to believe and/or do, so that the problem is clearly identified. They should explain clearly why their positions are important to them and how they are personally affected. They should back their positions up with proof, which will add strength to their argument. And finally, they should be open with their disagreements, especially as they focus on the issue at hand and not at the individual.
• Respondents with moderate argumentativeness scores (between -4 and +13):
Since these people are in the middle, they can reflect aspects of each of the other styles in their answer.