Politics have often been considered an unsafe topic of discussion outside the home. Many people feel emotionally attached to issues and have a hard time seeing another point of view. If you want to discuss politics at work, at parties, with family or with friends, then you must learn to see another person’s point of view, listen and know when to close a discussion or walk away. This topic does not have to be avoided if you have the presence of mind to keep the discussion civil and enjoyable. There are a few guidelines to discussing politics in public that will help you avoid arguments and hurt feelings. In a social setting, politics should be approached as a way to learn and grow, rather than a debate about right or wrong. Learn how to discuss politics in a friendly setting.
Think about why you want to discuss politics. Politics can be considered to be propelled by the reinforcement theory, that people seek out political discussion and information that supports their own political views. Understand that discussing politics in a mixed social setting will lead to opposing beliefs and it should lead to more thoughtful discussion.
Listen. Before jumping to any conclusions, listen to the other person’s point of view. Ask thoughtful questions if their views are not completely clear.
- Avoid using questions, such as “How could you think that?” Instead, ask questions like “What is your opinion about…?” or “What makes you feel that way?”
Try to see the issue from the other person’s point of view. This is along the lines of the classic “think before you speak” adage. Try to be empathetic toward their point of view, and you are likely to achieve more thoughtful conclusions about your own beliefs.
Be honest about your sources. If you are quoting sources, make sure you recognize potential flaws in the facts or how you are quoting. This is another example of reinforcement theory, since you may consider your sources to be objective, but other people may consider them subjective.
Admit when you do not know something. No one likes a “know-it-all,” so be prepared to learn something new in any discussion. The talk is much more likely to remain friendly if no one insists on always being right.
Find common ground regularly during the discussion. In order to have a friendly discussion, try to return to points you agree on from time to time. Most people can agree on a few things that they think are working or that they think need reform.
Respect a work or party decision to place politics off-limits. Some party hosts, family members and work environments ask that people leave their political beliefs for their private interactions. This rule has probably been brought about because of a past problem, so respect the desire to host a politics-free social engagement.
Gage your relationship with the person you are talking to. Some political discussions are not worth the possibility of making a relationship strained. Get to know the person better before trying to engage the person in political talk.
- 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 is better to find common ground and change the subject than to get into an argument.
Concede a point. Part of maintaining friendly discussion is a frank desire to say when you agree. Indicating that you understand and asking a follow up question may make the discussion more enjoyable.
Remember that you don’t need to win in a friendly discussion. In fact, save the winning mentality for political debates or people that are very close to you. Enter into polite political discussion to learn something and get a better background of your friends and the issues.