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How to Have a Respectable Debate/Argument
This is a guide to help people understand how to make good arguments while remaining respectable.
I will use "opponent" to mean "the person you are debating with."
1.Provide evidence to back up your opinion
A lot of opinions are based on assumptions.
-Even if you know something is a fact, your opponent might not. Never assume that your opponent knows the evidence, you need to provide links to reliable sources to help your opponent understand your point.
-It is your responsibility to provide reliable links to your claims, not your opponents. Telling your opponent to do your research for you is irresponsible in a debate. Think about it, if you write a research paper for an english class, would you tell your professor to do your research for you? No.
-Do not make broad generalizations. Instead, provide statistics. Unless the statistics prove that words like "all/none" are necessary, use words and phrases like "most," "some," and "it's likely" in place of "all," "none" or "will" etc. It's best to just quote the statistics directly.
*Note: Wikipedia isn't always reliable. Double check the link they use before using wikipedia as a source. It's better to quote the source they use, a lot of people will discredit your claim if you use Wikipedia as a source.

2.Be clear when you state things.
The more clear you are, the easier it is to communicate.
-Sometimes you might think you're arguing about one thing, and your opponent thinks you're arguing about something else. If you state something as fact, your opponent will take it as fact.
-If you think or feel something, be sure to say "I think..." or "I feel..." to be sure they understand this part of your claim is opinion.
-Bad grammar or spelling can impede your ability to communicate. Try to work on it, and if you're having a hard time, don't be afraid to tell your opponent so. If they aren't understanding what you're trying to say, word it a different way until they do. Maybe even get a third party to help.

3.Understand your opponent
Understanding your opponent will help you form counter-arguments
-Take the time to listen to your opponent. Are they saying what they mean? If you aren't sure you understand, don't be afraid to ask for clarifications. Remember to do this in a respectable manner. Say things like "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I understand. Could you clarify on the subject?" or "Would you mind explaining a bit further?" or "What do you mean by..." Be sure to remain polite.
-After you're sure you understand what they mean, you can use counter-arguments. Don't rush ahead of yourself and assume they're going to use a certain argument against you. Be prepared for all counter-arguments they might use, and find evidence to back up your next statements.

4.Stay calm
Remaining calm will help you to stay rational
-Even if you're trying to be respectable, your opponent might not be. Don't be surprised if they insult you, or just seem down right idiotic. Do not over-react to them, whether it's anger, annoyance or insulted.
-Avoid appearing agitated. Though you may be calm and collected, if you curse too much, it will set an agitated tone for the debate. This may cause some escalation or lead to a disrespectful ending.
-Insults are pointless to your argument. They often look petty and immature. It will deter from the point you are trying to make.

5.End it on a positive note
Ending the debate respectfully will help set the tone for future conversations.
-If you realize that the argument is going no where for whatever reason, don't be afraid to stop the conversation. Apologize to them and say that you feel this isn't proceeding anywhere. You may be going around in circles, or neither of you are changing your opinion.
-Do not be afraid to admit you're wrong. There will be times that you are wrong, even if you're very educated on the subject. Admitting you're wrong does not mean you lose your dignity. People will often see it as respectable.