Most people want to share their beliefs so discussions about politics can be interesting.Even if you disagree with someone, treat them with respect.You don't have to prove that you're right or correct to listen and understand them.Know who you are talking to and what factors may affect the discussion.
Step 1: Don't want to change their minds.
If you want to change someone's mind or prove how bad their ideas are, don't talk about it.Trying to change someone's beliefs is often futile and upsetting.If you want to discuss politics with someone, check your intentions.If you want to prove something or tell them how dumb they are, you should sit this one out.Bringing openness and willingness to listen to the discussion is needed to engage in respectful discussions.If you want to discuss how your position on the war is superior or why people should share your views, hold back.
Step 2: Don't be afraid to change your mind.
Don't go into a discussion expecting to change someone else's mind, be open to expanding your own perspectives and ideasYou can be open to hearing different viewpoints and understand why people think a certain way.The interaction can be used to learn more about the person or themselves.Don't shut someone down for their differing beliefs, be curious about them and challenge yourself.You should be willing to challenge your beliefs.If someone else likes another candidate, be open to hearing why that person supports them.
Step 3: Allow yourself to be wrong.
You limit your ability to learn new information if you assume that you are correct.You should not assume you already know everything.You can learn from people who bring their own experiences to the table.You can be proven wrong on occasion if you learn from other's differences.If you are against a candidate or party, be willing to listen to people with different views and learn from them.
Step 4: Ask questions
If you disagree with someone, do not try to shut them down or explain why you think they are wrong.Ask questions about things you don't agree with.Asking questions is a good way to check your understanding.Don't badger the person with questions such as "Why would you believe that?" or "So you're telling me you actually follow that person?"You can ask, "Can you explain that one more time?" and "Would you tell me more about that?"Can you tell me what makes you believe in that issue?
Step 5: I statements can be used.
It is easy to get defensive or accusatory when talking about politics.The focus should be on understanding the person and making your voice heard.Don't judge or blame.Keep the focus on you if you don't agree with something.Instead of saying, "You believe that abortion is wrong?"Instead of saying that your beliefs are frustrating, say, "I'm getting a bit frustrated discussing this."
Step 6: Show respect.
Treat someone with respect even if you disagree with them.They should not be called names or undercutting their beliefs.Don't interrupt them while they're speaking.Try not to raise your voice while speaking.Whatever a person's political stance, they almost always believe they are the good guy and want their beliefs or candidate to make a positive change.This is something to remember when speaking.
Step 7: Listen.
Civil conversations involve taking turns speaking and listening.While the other person is speaking, pay attention to what they are saying.Don't think about how you can undermine what they're saying.Listen with the intent of understanding.Don't respond to interruptions.If your phone goes off, you should stop using it.This shows that you are paying attention.Make an effort to understand the person's point of view.
Step 8: Take a moment to reflect on your understanding.
Checking in on your understanding is a part of listening to someone and engaging in constructive conversations.Restate or summarize what the person said to you.If you hear someone say that the candidate is not qualified, say, "Let me make sure I'm clear..." or "I can tell you feel strongly about the war."They can say, "No, I meant..."
Step 9: Show your curiosity.
Ask the other person why they see things differently.Get to know them and figure out what shaped them to hold that particular belief.Put yourself in their shoes and ask some questions.Understanding someone's point of view can show you why they think a certain way.
Step 10: Don't make quick decisions.
Black-and-white thinking can be avoided as much as possible.People don't support every action or stance of a politician if they like a candidate.If you do not agree with someone, that doesn't mean they are stupid or uneducated.Ask why questions for clarifications if you feel judgmental.I would like to know why you hold that position so that I can understand better.
Step 11: Listen to your audience.
Be careful with your words if you know the person you are talking to likes to fight or stir trouble.It's possible that you have a colleague at work who has different views than you.Before or during the discussion, keep this in mind.You may be willing to debate with your friends, but not your boss, professor, or racist grandparent.
Step 12: You can read body language.
It is possible to guide the discussion by reading the person's cues.Shift gears if the person looks agitated.The conversation might not be headed in the best direction if they look upset or angry.Change the subject to something else and bring it back in.The person may want to keep politics light or casual.Drop the topic if they appear uncomfortable.
Step 13: Know when not to say anything.
If you are somewhere inescapable like an airplane or dinner table, think about how you want to say it.You don't want to sit next to someone on a long airplane ride who is upset with you because of their political beliefs.Common sense should be used when talking about politics.Don't push the conversation if someone is acting disinterested or not fully interacting.Drop the conversation and give them the chance to start again.
Step 14: Drop it if it gets out of hand.
Drop the topic if you can tell that the discussion will hurt your relationship.Say something like, "It's clear we won't see eye to eye on this, and I want to stay friends with you."Some things aren't worth the risk of long-term disagreements.