I suppose that specifically I am wondering if there are any things you do to perhaps:
- stay calm
- calm the other person down
- get them to understand you better
- understand their point of view
- diffuse trolls
- just be a good person who wants to participate in a conversation that enhances your understanding of others, different cultures, and the world and how it works
Depends on what you mean by “works” - it won’t change their minds, though I suppose you mean it can help reveal their style to other onlookers.
It is like arguing with children, except that’s fun! :-D