How to Change Someone's Mind
How to Change Someone's Mind
If you want to change someone's mind, you need to be clear what you mean by that phrase.
It could mean one of two things.
- Change what someone thinks is true.
- Change someone's behaviour.
1. Change what someone thinks is true
If you want to change someone's belief about what is true, then your best bet is to NOT challenge the belief itself. Instead, question the source of the information that led to the belief.
For example, if he believes in socialism, do NOT criticise socialism directly. If you do, then he will defend socialism. And, in defending his idea, he will come to believe it even more.
Instead, ask him, where did (s)he get the idea from?
Every idea in your head, you got from somewhere. Rather than challenge ideas, question the validity of their source.
Ask questions such as, "Who told you that?"
Or "Where did you get that idea from?".
Or "Where did that idea originate?"
When you ask this question, you change the status of the idea from "a fact" to "something that someone once said, or wrote". The power of the idea is reduced.
It is no longer "a Fact"; only, "Something that someone once said, or wrote".
If you identify the source of an idea, then you can begin to go to work to question the validity of its source. This is a subtler challenge than a full-frontal challenge on the main idea.
Your technique is to question the source and the reliability of the idea.
When you have undermined the source, then it is up to you to suggest an alternative idea and name your source of the new idea.
The conversation would go like this:
"I believe in the redistribution of wealth by taxation."
"Where did you get that idea from?"
"It is a doctrine of socialist politics. I learned about politics in college."
"Where did your college teachers get the idea from?"
"Originally the socialism comes from Karl Marx."
"Karl Marx died broke and penniless and in debt to his friend Frederick Engles. Why do you rely on the economic ideas of a man who died broke and penniless and in debt to his friends?"
Don't Challenge Ideas Directly
The point I want to make is:
If you challenge their ideas directly, they will defend their ideas vigorously.
You won't shift them.
So, challenge ideas indirectly.
If you challenge directly, then they will fight you.
If you challenge the source of their belief, then they will find it harder to fight you.
2. Change someone's behaviour
I will be discussing this part of changing someone's behaviour in a forthcoming blog!
Communication Skills Training
Do you ever think to yourself, "I know what I mean, but I can't explain it"? You need to be able communicate facts, feelings, information and ideas, in a clear, professional and confident manner. If you want to learn more about our communication skills training, please click here.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Communication - Persuasive Communication
-
How to Get the Gift of the Gab
People who have developed the gift of the gab usually have an easier life, than those who struggle to find the words to properly express themselves.
Read Article > -
Communication Skills: Etiquette and Politeness
Do unto others, as you would have others do unto you. Does old fashioned etiquette have a place in modern society?
Read Article > -
How to gain more confidence when speaking
Self confidence: Do you want to know how to gain more self confidence when speaking? Last week, I received a phone call from a man who wanted to know if I could help him with his low levels of self-confidence. The conversation went on for over an hour and it was...
Read Article > -
Building Rapport
Building Rapport Communication skills training Have you ever met someone who seems to be able to "connect" with everyone? Have you noticed how people like this are more effective in their role? Life seems to be easier for them, doesn't it? This ability to connect with others is called Rapport. Creating...
Read Article > -
Everything is Negotiable
In business you have to trade with other people, which involves negotiating. Therefore, it is important that you learn the proper principles of negotiation, in order to get the best possible outcome for your organisation.
Read Article >