How to win arguments and actually change someone’s mind
Typically, when we come up against something or someone we want to change, we approach it with force. But often, this aggressive technique makes people defensive and causes them to dig into their beliefs more deeply.
“People don’t like being told what to do,” Berger says. “When they feel like someone’s persuading them or trying to persuade them, they put up their radar and they ignore, they avoid, or even counter argue against the message.”
So if this direct approach doesn’t work, what does?
It is a good article and all but we have to face reality that some folks will never change their opinions no matter the approach. A certain Florida state senator with a powerful lobbyist dad immediately come to mind.
I don’t have to change the minds of everyone on a legislative committee. I just need to sway enough folks to stymie the effort. Sometimes, the humble, weaksauce approach simply does not work. I’ve also wasted hours on rational discussion with people who still not only failed to reconsider his/ her position after the facts were plainly and humbly presented, those folks reverted into a “kill them all” mentality.
We are trying to undo entire generations of myths. With QAnon, we’re dealing with a resurgence of people who believe in a comspiracy of a vast underground global “pedophile” network run by the powerful elites. Even reform advocates like those who support Black Lives Matter call for our headfs. Even making a simple statement of opposition to the laws are met with vitriol.
Killing people with kindness only goes so far with some folks. Again, we don’t have to change everyone’s mind.
I find the best way is to have them do the research themselves after I show or tell them the proof or truth.
I say “Don’t take my word for any of this, but search it out yourself to see if what I am saying is true”.
This lays the burden of proof on them to determine whether I am right or wrong.
Jesus used this technique many times throughout the Bible.
A person cannot escape their own convictions and findings.
Thought I would add this topic I spotted today.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-tennessee-gov-punishments-for-protesters
Goes to show how easy it is for politicians to undermine our constitutional rights.
I agree with Derek. This approach may work for other circumstances, but when it comes to stopping or reforming “sex crime” laws, all lend a deaf ear or placate with lip service. Not applicable to our efforts. Only litigation seems to work, and that is still a crap shoot.