Table of contents:
- What's the point in changing the mindset of others?
- How to change the mindset of others
- 1. Understand your thoughts well
- 2. The reasons behind the thoughts you propose
- 3. Convey opinions correctly
- 4. Don't be pushy
As a social being, of course you will never be separated from interacting with other people. Exchanging ideas is one of its forms. When having conversations, differences of opinion sometimes make you want to change the mindset of the other person. Especially if the interlocutor is trapped in wrong thinking. However, how?
What's the point in changing the mindset of others?
Changing the mindset of others is part of critical thinking. Of course you have learned this understanding while in school.
The goal is that you can express what you think and express it in a logical manner so that it can be accepted by others.
However, is this important? Yes, very important. Changing other people's thinking is not only done by people working in parliament.
In everyday life, for example, deliberations with family members, friends, or partners are definitely needed. In fact, you need to do this in a work environment.
A study published in the International World Wide Web Conference looked at what factors make people change their minds.
Researchers invited respondents to take part in open discussions, then looked at the number of people who responded, ranked their responses in the discussion, and how they expressed their responses.
From this discussion, the researcher argues that factors that can change a person's mind include:
- Expressing arguments persuasively, that is persuading gently, calmly, and does not imply control
- Complete the argument with valid data so that it gives the impression that the argument can be trusted
- Prefer the word "I or I" over "we" when describing opinions that tend to be more open and avoid words that sound emotional.
How to change the mindset of others
Changing one's thinking is not an easy task. However, it is not impossible to do so.
In order for others to understand your logical thinking, the following tactics may help to change the mindset of others.
1. Understand your thoughts well
Before expressing your opinion, you must first dig deeper related information.
That way, your argument can be fuller, stronger, and more trusted by the other person.
2. The reasons behind the thoughts you propose
All actions have motivation (drive). The same is the case when submitting an opinion and wanting to change the mindset of others. You have to know what your opinion is based on.
In addition to making your arguments more solid, the reasons behind the arguments you put forward also earn you respect and respect for not speaking out.
3. Convey opinions correctly
It's okay to be excited about expressing your opinion to change someone's mind.
However, do not give the impression that your opinion is the most correct.
Instead of winning someone else's heart, this action will actually further distance you from your goal.
As explained by previous studies, the choice of words in conveying thoughts is very influential.
If the way you speak and your language choices are friendly, unruly, and not condescending, this can attract the other person to agree with you.
4. Don't be pushy
Persuading someone to change their way of thinking to suit yours, may not always work out as expected.
So, don't be disappointed or force other people if they really stick to their own thoughts.
The right step you can take right now is to be calm or not get carried away by emotions. It just makes things worse.
Understand that it is natural for everyone to have their own thoughts.