How To Make Political Conversations More Productive
Talking politics can be tiring.People with strong political beliefs are not likely to change their views.Think about the person or group you're talking to before engaging in a heated political conversation.It is difficult to change their views even with the strongest of facts.Focus on being open and patient instead of turning the conversation into a competition.You can always decline an invitation to talk politics if you are clear and humble when expressing your views.
Step 1: There are risks of starting a political conversation.
People don't talk about politics for a reason.It could end up offending someone if it is a hot-button issue.Before starting a political conversation, think about where you are and your friends.Don't assume that every place is safe.Pay attention to why you want to have a political conversation.Do you want to have an open and thoughtful conversation?Is it because of the difficult things you read or saw on the news that you need to vent?It's better to refrain from discussing politics after examining your motives.Talking politics can cause strong emotions.If you have strong emotions in certain places like work, family gatherings, or public spaces, it could lead to confrontation.Knowing when not to engage someone is just as important as knowing how to do it.
Step 2: Understand that your friends don't represent everyone.
Remember that your views aren't the same as everyone else's, even if you have a political viewpoint through your family or friends.There are people at work, at school, and in your community who may not want to hear your views.Do not associate your social media platforms with politics.This view of politics is based on who you are friends with, who may lean more left or right than the population as a whole.If you have a close group of friends, you can express your views.It's not because people think like them, but because they are your close friends.
Step 3: Think about your workplace.
You spend a lot of time at your job.This could make you start talking politics.If you work with someone that doesn't want to talk about politics or feel like it's a safe place to do so, understand that.Talking politics at work can be difficult if you are trying to please everyone.For example, if you're left-leaning in politics, you might be willing to talk about it with a colleague.If the topic of politics involves a larger group, what should we do?If you lie about your views in one situation, then support them in another.Don't be fully open and candid in the workplace.Say "I can understand your views on that" when you disagree.
Step 4: Accept that it is unlikely that you will change someone's opinion.
If your agenda is to change someone's mind, think again.If you try to prove your point or dismiss someone's views, people will pull away and not listen to you.If you start to make others feel uncomfortable or unsafe in expressing their views, your point will get lost.Offer to understand their own views instead of trying to get someone to comprehend.
Step 5: Ask questions and listen.
Don't focus on getting your own points across, instead listen to what the other person is saying.Break down their viewpoint and where they are coming from in order to really listen.To show you are interested and listening, ask questions.Requote what they said after they are done speaking.Say something like, "It sounds like he's the strong candidate due to his economic policies and his confident style of speaking."Is that correct?Even if you disagree with their views, other people like to know they've been heard, so showing you can listen will make for a more productive conversation.
Step 6: In explaining your views, be clear and humble.
It's important that you are able to articulate your thoughts in a concise and clear way.There is little chance for a productive conversation if your points are clouded by strong emotions and anger.When someone else wants to speak, it's the same.This will make both sides uncomfortable.Humility is important for effective communication, whether it's about politics or hot-button issues.Show that you're interested in an open and shared conversation, rather than attacking other people's views.Think before you speak.Don't be vague about what you want to say.You have to back-pedal to figure out what your point was if you start talking.
Step 7: They have the right to have a different opinion.
There is a right to political views for each person.If you don't respect each other's rights, conversations about the economy, social service programs, and the environment are likely to go nowhere.Each person has a chance to speak.I can see you viewpoint is important to you and I respect your opinion.If you want to show that you're against their views but still respect their right to have a different opinion, you should use wording such as, "While I'm against this, I respect yours."You don't agree with the opinion if you respect someone's right to have a different opinion.If you feel that it is deeply against your beliefs, don't use language that implies you agree with their viewpoint.Simply excuse yourself and walk away if you can't listen to them speak.
Step 8: Talk about things that can take place.
Politics shouldn't be off-handed comments between you and a co-worker.It's not unusual for distant relatives to bring up political conversations at large family gatherings.If you want it to be productive, make sure there is time for a real, in-depth conversation.A more productive conversation can take place if you ask your politically minded co-worker out for lunch.Don't focus on proving your point.If you're at a holiday party with a politically active relative, talk with them privately in a place where you can have a more open, back-and-forth conversation.Accept that they may not be ready for a productive conversation if it seems like they are just interested in spouting their own views without listening to you.
Step 9: You should be willing to analyze your own beliefs.
Being informed will help you understand political values and opinions.It will help you to have more productive political conversations if you are open to analyzing and challenging your political beliefs.Don't expect others to be reflective on their beliefs without you doing the same.Do you know where your beliefs come from?Every situation has biases.It is possible to be biased against one side or another.Do your biases come from facts or from people's perception?
Step 10: The other side's viewpoints should not be demonized.
Don't fight fire with fire if you disagree with political views.Attacking someone's views in a vicious way will cause conflict.Actions and words can have negative consequences in the workplace and school.Some people may take your political views personally and equate your words or actions with an attack on them.Use language that shows maturity and thoughtfulness when talking about a political candidate.
Step 11: It's a good idea to avoid name-calling.
Politics isn't usually a topic for young children.Don't put up with the actions of children.There is no place for name-calling in politics.Take action if you see someone doing this or find yourself doing it.Don't call a co-worker or family member a blatant woman-hater if you think they have racist or misogynistic views.This will lead to more arguments.If you want to call them out on their views, focus on the topic rather than their personal flaws.
Step 12: Don't see political conversations as a competition.
Few people are likely to change their core beliefs about politics and the world.Trying to convince them that they are wrong is likely to lead to conflict.Accept that political conversations don't have winners and sinners.Politics can be even more contentious if you're an avid sports fan with a competitive mindset.It can be about the everyday lives of politically active people and how they affect them and their family on a personal level.The way you conduct yourself can affect people's views just as much as the arguments you make.
Step 13: If you want to change the subject, learn to walk away.
If you feel like the conversation is going nowhere and causing more stress for you and others, it is a good idea to walk away or change the subject.You should not tolerate other people's political rants.Try redirecting someone's political conversations to a neutral or more general topic by changing the subject.Ask them if they like movies, sports, TV, fitness, food, or art.You can say, "Let's not talk politics right now."Have you seen any good movies recently?This conversation is only tied to strong, negative emotions if you are being bullied or belittled for your opposing views.Don't engage or get defensive by walking away.It is a good idea to politely end the conversation.I can see that this is important to you.I am late for my appointment.You can allow the person to vent if you care about them and think they just want to blow off some steam and you are willing to give them the space to do that.Say something like, "It sounds like you're really frustrated, and I'm glad you were able to get that off your chest."I don't want to talk about politics anymore.