how does the sword debate mechanic work?

[DeadFish]

i cant seem to figure it out, i try to use the right sword to cut back the argument then it starts rapidly failing. none of the other swords seem to make sense to use

[Runa Silvertongue]

You have to move the sword cuts in the opposite direction of the text on screen - for example, if the text on screen is vertical, you have to cut horizontally. The "truth sword" is most important if you progress the showdown to the second phase and slice through the character's argument with the appropriate rebuttal response.