Practical Approaches for Persuading People to Change Their Views
The article offers suggestions for persuading others, including starting with small goals and recognizing the power of group identity. It advises assuming good will, asking about the other person's beliefs, and looking for areas of partial agreement. The strategies are presented for both family conversations and broader influence efforts.
The article notes that prior posts about changing minds were among the author’s most-read pieces, suggesting many readers struggle to persuade relatives, friends, and online strangers. It cites experts from several fields and frames the advice for both holiday family talks and broader influence.
Suggested tactics include setting modest goals, respecting group identity, assuming goodwill, asking about another person’s beliefs, and gently testing areas of partial openness. The piece also mentions joining like-minded groups and using one’s own skills, such as writing or art, to influence others.
This advice may help families and friends reduce conflict by encouraging curiosity and small steps. It could also affect workplaces, community groups, and online discussions if people adopt less confrontational approaches. However, because changing deep beliefs is difficult and tied to identity, impact may be limited; readers seeking persuasion tools might gain practical options, while those in entrenched disputes may still struggle.