A straw man is a weakened or distorted version of an argument. Answering it can leave the actual disagreement untouched. A steel man is a deliberate attempt to represent the strongest reasonable version before responding.
Start with what the person actually says, including their evidence, aims and conditions. Do not invent a better argument and attribute it to them. If they are available, ask whether your account is fair and revise it where needed. If they are not, mark the interpretation as unconfirmed.
This is a discussion technique, not a scientific test that proves either side right. Accurate representation and sound evidence are separate checks.