2 ways sway opponent on its side

Everyone knows how difficult it is to shake the view stubborn companion. Here are two evidence-based strategies that offer a professor at Stanford.

1. Find an argument that will trigger a response from the interlocutor

We often overestimate the weight of the arguments, which are themselves regarded as convincing. Moreover, both parties usually do not realize that using the argument that their interlocutor not only have considered it doubtful, but which he did initially could be indifferent.

To persuade a person on your side, try to use it the same moral principles against him.

This council gives Robb Willer (Robb Willer), a professor of sociology and psychology at Stanford University. He has been studying the theory of moral principles and believes that people are easier to take the opposite political principles, if they are paraphrased in view of the moral foundations of opponentFrom Gulf to Bridge: When Do Moral Arguments Facilitate Political Influence?.

For example, during one survey participants with conservative views often come out in support of legalization gay marriage, when an argument is presented to them with a patriotic point of view, rather than justice and equality. And members with liberal views are more willing to support an increase in defense spending, if they argued, consistent with their morals.

"In the political discussions we usually give reasons to believe that themselves, rather than the opponent, but studies show that it does not workMorally Reframed Arguments Can Affect Support for Political Candidates."- explains Wheeler.

2. Listen to the other party: everyone wants to be heard

Works Wheeler and his colleagues suggest that you can change someone's opinion about politics. What about the prejudices? How to effectively persuade the person? After explicitly stating opponent on his delusions, you only invoke his anger.

In 2016, in the journal Science published the results of an interesting experiment: it appears to weaken the opponent and prejudice affect his opinion in 10 minutes of conversation. Moreover, such a turning point in the views is stored for up to three months and can withstand even aggressive agitationDurably reducing transphobia: A field experiment on door-to-door canvassing.

And all because of that during conversations with the participants of the experiment, researchers adhere to one simple rule: listen and give the other party speak.

Instead of throwing an opponent facts, ask open questions and listen to what he says. And then ask questions again.

The essence of this method is that people respond better to something when they themselves come to the conclusion, not when someone throws it in his face a ton of statistics.

Speaking about his own experience, your partner, as psychologists say, actively processes information. You just have to push him in the right direction.

However, this technique does not work in all spheres. Best of all it helps when the dispute concerns issues of identity.

Nevertheless the basic rule - listen to the interlocutor - never hurts. Show respect, make a person think about their own similar experiences and emphasize your similarities. This could be the first step towards solving the problem.