Can anyone suggest resources regarding presenting effective arguments? I have a recent need for brushing up on this skillset.

For example, in past positions I have attempted to make an argument for a different programming language at work; not a different compiler, but a different language on the same compiler. I feel the language was more expressive and would allow us to write code that was more maintainable.

The discussion keeps getting hung up on the all of the benefits of our current compiler, completely ignoring the fact that I am explicitly stating that part should not change.

Generally, the discussion fizzles when I press the point that the language, and the compiler, are two distinct things. I can tell that my audience suddenly understands there is a distinction, but no longer has any interest in pursuing discussion (and basically just walk away). I will later have to start all over again when the issue comes up.

So again, can anyone suggest resources that might help me frame arguments in a more effective manner?