So?

I have to apologize for this one -- my quotes probably aren't going to be as neat as they usually are. Why? Because I can't get to Flock (that lovely little we browser that makes this all so much easier) right now. I'm not much of a betting person, but I'd be willing to wager that the thought running through many people's minds after reading the previous sentences was a useful little question: So? As Gregory Koukl elaborates in his monthly Stand to Reason letter, titled "The Power of One Word":

"When used properly, it has the ability to stop an aggressive challenger in his tracks, turn the tables, and get him thinking.  This modest word is a little giant, putting the ball back into his court and putting you in the driver’s seat of an otherwise out-of-control conversation." http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8221

The word "so" can be immensely helpful when dealing with trash talk. A phrase similar to, "Yes, that may be true. So?" can usually end the trash talk much faster than a response which borders on trash talk itself.

I deal with debaters a lot, especially since I am one myself. When making or listening to an argument, every debater asks himself/herself the big question, "So?" It is imoprtant when making an argument and discussing matters with other people to make the converastion have meaning. Why should I pay attention if I don't know why what you're saying is useful?

So, whether you're making an argument or stopping the trash talk, it's important to remember that two-letter word. You never know when you'll be able to us it to your advantage.