Mirror your opponent - Deepstash
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Mirror your opponent

If you mimic your opponent (in a subtle way), they are more likely to believe you.

For example, if they are sitting cross-legged, wait a few seconds and cross your legs too. And make sure that what you are doing is not too obvious.

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Ask for their point of view

To gain trust and build rapport, you need to hear out what the other person thinks without interrupting or disagreeing.

Try asking open-ended questions, like: "Why do you think that?"

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Make direct eye contact

...while you listen. This makes the speaker's arguments less persuasive, which makes your opinion look strong.

Fix the speaker in your sight as soon as they start speaking.

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How to get agreement

  1. Instead of attacking someone's ideas, try taking your opponent's basic beliefs and developing them into an absurd conclusion.
  2. Flag your opponent's' dangerous beliefs.  It may have a positive effect on neutralizing your opponent.
  3. Identify the shared ground bet...

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Reiterate what you understand

Repeating an argument back to the speaker can develop trust by proving that you're listening.

Try paraphrasing what you understand, using: " so you're suggesting ... because... ?"

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How to present your point of view

  • Know your facts thoroughly
  • Use scientific-looking visuals (elements that people associate with science, like formula or graphs).
  • Demonstrate that other people agree.
  • Using phrases that indi...

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Pitfalls to avoid

  • Watch your posture. The most effective one is with your feet together and palms down or letting them move with the words.
  • Don't get nasty. Validate your opponent's self-worth by being nice to them so they will be more receptive.
  • Avoid using too many facts.

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CURATED FROM

IDEAS CURATED BY

lila_ls

Communicator. Beer geek. Gamer. Analyst. Travel specialist. Freelance explorer.

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Other curated ideas on this topic:

Mind Your Tone

We tend to respond to people using the same tone they use to speak to us.

If you need to have an emotionally charged conversation, speak in a way that's calm and collected. And if a discussion begins to escalate, focus on softening your tone or lowering your voice; others are likely to mimi...

Relaxation as an alternative

Relaxation as an alternative

There are plenty of ways to achieve relaxation without sitting cross-legged on the floor. They’re all rooted in a technique called “the distraction method.”

The method consists of doing basic activities can help you take a step back from your anxiety.  You may be able to relax, re...

2. Mind Your Tone

2. Mind Your Tone

We tend to respond to people using the same tone they use to speak to us.

If you need to have an emotionally charged conversation, speak in a way that's calm and collected. And if a discussion begins to escalate, focus on softening your tone or lowering your voice, others are ...

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