Recipe for Greater Understanding
Honesty | Transparency | Patience
We’re not here to take a side. We’re only here to help people learn how to convince people to see all angles. We believe that in a healthy society people routinely have second thoughts!
Our Process
1. Start with Empathy and Understanding
- Listen Actively: Before trying to persuade, understand why the person holds their current belief. People are more open to changing their minds if they feel heard.
- Acknowledge Valid Points: Recognize any valid concerns or aspects of their viewpoint that make sense. This shows respect and can lower their defenses.
2. Use the Socratic Method
- Ask Questions, Don’t Argue: Instead of stating your case outright, ask open-ended questions that lead the person to examine their beliefs. This can help them discover inconsistencies or new perspectives on their own.
- Example: “What led you to that conclusion?” or “Have you ever considered what might happen if X were true?”
3. Provide New, Trustworthy Information
- Use Reliable Sources: Share evidence from trusted, unbiased sources. People are more likely to trust information that aligns with their values and comes from a source they respect.
- Present Novel Information: People are more open to reconsidering their opinions when presented with something they haven’t heard before.
4. Create Cognitive Dissonance
- Highlight Contradictions: Gently point out any contradictions in their beliefs without being confrontational. When people realize their beliefs don’t align, they may feel motivated to resolve the inconsistency.
- Example: “I’ve noticed you care a lot about fairness. How do you reconcile that with your stance on X?”
5. Frame Your Argument in Their Values
- Value Matching: Instead of using your own values as the basis for your argument, align it with their values. If someone values freedom, show how your perspective supports freedom rather than opposing it.
6. Build a Personal Connection
- Share Personal Stories: Narratives and anecdotes can be more persuasive than raw data. Personal stories can evoke empathy and make your argument more relatable.
- Be Vulnerable: Share how your own opinions have changed over time. This can make it easier for them to consider changing as well.
7. Use the Power of Consistency
- Start Small: Ask for small agreements first, then gradually lead them to more significant changes in perspective. This technique leverages people’s desire to remain consistent in their beliefs and actions.
8. Be Patient and Respectful
- Don’t Expect Immediate Change: Changing opinions is a process. Plant the seed of doubt and give them time to reflect on it.
- Avoid Shaming: Making someone feel bad or embarrassed about their beliefs will usually backfire. Respectful dialogue is more productive.
9. Present a Compelling Alternative
- Offer a Solution: People are more likely to change their views if they see a better alternative. Provide a clear, positive, and actionable alternative to their current belief.
10. Use Social Proof and Consensus
- Show That Others Are Changing Their Minds: People often look to others when forming or changing opinions. If they see others (especially people they respect) changing their minds, they may be more open to doing so.