Men want to be admired and respected, in spite of their faults. So praise and reinforce them. Don't criticize, blame, show disapproval or condemn. Guys aren't always right, even though they think they are. You don't always have to make them right, just don't make them wrong.
Men love to impress women.
Ask questions that will give him the opportunity to impress you. Ask then shut up, listen, and praise accordingly. Surrender the battle and win the war. Being aggressive and combative is not the way to win men and get a date. Men are warriors.