Politics are often considered unsafe to discuss outside of the home.Many people feel emotionally attached to issues and have a hard time seeing a different point of view.If you want to discuss politics at work, at parties, with family or with friends, you need to listen and see another person's point of view.If you have the presence of mind to keep the discussion civil and enjoyable, this topic doesn't have to be avoided.There are guidelines to discuss politics in public that will help you avoid arguments and hurt feelings.Politics should be viewed as a way to learn and grow in a social setting.Politics can be discussed in a friendly way.
Step 1: Why do you want to discuss politics?
The reinforcement theory states that people seek out political discussion and information that supports their own political views.Discussing politics in a mixed social setting will lead to opposing beliefs and more thoughtful discussion.
Step 2: Listen to what I have to say.
Listen to the other person's point of view before jumping to conclusions.If their views are not completely clear, ask thoughtful questions."How could you think that?" are questions that should be avoided.Ask questions like "What is your opinion?"What makes you feel that way?
Step 3: Look at the issue from the other person's point of view.
Think before you speak is a classic adage.You're likely to get more thoughtful conclusions about your own beliefs if you try to be sympathetic to their point of view.
Step 4: You should be honest with your sources.
If you are quoting sources, make sure you know what you're saying.This is an example of reinforcement theory, since you can consider your sources to be objective, but other people may consider them subjective.
Step 5: When you don't know anything, admit.
No one likes a "know-it-all" so be prepared to learn something new.If no one insists on always being right, the talk is more likely to remain friendly.
Step 6: During the discussion, find common ground.
If you want to have a friendly discussion, try to return to points you agree on.Most people agree that there are a few things that are working and need to be changed.
Step 7: Politics should not be allowed in a work or party decision.
People are asked by party hosts, family members and work environments to leave their political beliefs at home.The desire to host a politics-free social engagement is what brought about this rule.
Step 8: Take the relationship between you and the person you are talking to into account.
Some political discussions can make a relationship strained.Before engaging the person in political talk, get to know them better.If someone engages you in political discussion and you are unsure of your relationship, approach the talk with caution, especially if alcohol is involved.It's better to find common ground than to argue.
Step 9: Give a point.
A desire to say when you agree is part of maintaining friendly discussion.Asking a follow up question may make the discussion more enjoyable.
Step 10: You don't need to win in a discussion.
Save the winning mentality for people who are very close to you.Get a better background of your friends and the issues when you enter into political discussion.
Step 11: Don't use curse words or inflammatory phrases.
Don't call a person a bad name.Inflammatory language can lead to an angry party.
Step 12: Don't make political or social jokes.
You can't be sure of people's beliefs in public.Racist comments about race, religion and gender are often included in jokes.Don't be afraid to make fun of things.The jokes lighten the mood and make the discussion more friendly.
Step 13: Don't bring up old discussions.
Don't bring up politics at a party if you and a friend talk politics a lot and never settle on a positive outcome.When you are alone and unlikely to get caught in the crossfire, save your private jokes and political debates.
Step 14: When talking about politics in a friendly setting, don't consume a lot of alcohol.
It is likely that you will say something you don't mean if you drink alcohol.If someone else is drinking alcohol, try to change the subject or excuse yourself to help.
Step 15: Look at your hand signals.
It is not appropriate to point or shake your head during a conversation.You may be getting too angry to talk in a level-headed way if you find yourself frowning or looking surly.
Step 16: The phrase "agree to disagree" can be used to end a discussion.
"This popular phrase is a sure way to end on a bad note, saying that we haven't resolved anything and we have no desire to talk in the future."You could say something like "I can understand why you believe that" or "It sounds like this means a lot to you."
Step 17: Don't tell someone that they are wrong.
" Although you may feel that way, most politics are based on a continuum of thought, rather than a right or wrong."Changing the subject to a friendlier topic is a good idea if you start to think in these terms.