BackWho you’re talking to dictates what you say. Review our Communication Styles if you haven’t already. And remember: These examples show communication skills, and do not indicate correct or incorrect viewpoints.
Choose the communication style of the person you’re speaking to:
If you hear them say…
“You’ve been brainwashed by Donald Trump. Election fraud is fake news.”
👍 Try this…
“I get that you think election fraud concerns are bogus. Lots of people, including me, have some of these concerns. Can I explain mine?”
- Acknowledge what the person said and see if they are open to hearing your views.
👎 Avoid this…
“You know what’s fake news? The Democratic line that election systems are perfectly fine.”
- Don’t make blanket characterizations about political parties. Instead, focus on the issue.
If you hear them say…
"Biden and the Democrats stole the 2020 election. And you know it."
👍 Try this…
“I can see you're passionate about this, here's why I feel confident that the 2020 election results were accurate.”
- Cite where your information comes from. Gladiators want to convince you they're right. If they are unwilling to listen, exit the conversation.
👎 Avoid this…
“Republicans are just blindly following Trump’s lies.”
- Criticize an idea or policy. Don’t stereotype everyone in a particular party.
If you hear them say…
“You election deniers are oblivious to the mountain of evidence that shows Donald Trump did not win the 2020 election.”
👍 Try this…
“I don’t put myself in a camp called ‘election denier.’ Are you interested in my personal views about that election?”
- Resist being labeled and see if the other person is open to hearing your views. If not, end the conversation.
👎 Avoid this…
“So you’re an election expert now? When did that happen?”
- Stay away from sarcastic questions and comments with a Gladiator, even if your loved one uses them.
Additional communication styles...