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Everyone can agree that COVID-19 debates have shunned tranquility into oblivion. Online trolls are churning out hatred. The reporters are whinnying. We are wondering if we should bring wear protective gear to family gatherings. The pandemic debate has elicited negative sentiments among the masses. Hence, necessitating this article, which looks at ways people can talk about COVID-19 without fighting, including:
1) View Every Interaction as Educational
If you want to have a conversation about COVID-19 with someone who disagrees with you, you have to shun your assumption into obscurity. If you approach the conversation with a mindset that you will learn something new, the discussion will be constructive.
2) Ask Appropriate Questions
First, ask what he believes in, why, and why it is crucial. Or, try this icebreaker, “I have always had a distinct vantage point, but help me comprehend how you think of this.”
3) Stop Preparing Your Reply
Listen. Then respond. Many times, especially on social media, people assume others have bad intentions; thus, making the constructive debate go upside down. One technique of curbing rising tension during a blunt social media debate: seek clarifications or ask a follow-up question, which proves you are paying attention to what is being communicated.
4) Do Not Demand a Conversation instead Extend an Invitatio
Carefully choose the moment to talk. You cannot force people into a conversation regarding COVID-19. Instead of demanding a conversation, you should extend an invitation. It is also crucial to avoid making hasty conclusions about people or dismissing them based on their credentials or your assumptions.
Another important tip is staying humble. You might be educated about COVID-19, but that does not mean you have all the answers. In addition, stop approaching a conversation from a zero-sum standpoint. Instead, view it as a chance to comprehend the other person’s point of view and the reason behind that.
5) Establish Common Grounds
You are advised to establish common ground swiftly. Identifying commonalities, such as the things you value and discussing them, helps build trust and enable you to connect. In addition, you are advised to ask questions as they are the most crucial aspect of the conversation. But try and keep the question open-ended and open-minded.
Furthermore, do not let unintentional unpleasant comments destroy the conversation. Do not be quick to dismiss people because of several words which you find insensitive. Try and comprehend the intention behind the utterances.
Never attack people’s personal beliefs. The human nervous system treats attacks on someone’s belief, including those of COVID-19, the same way they respond to issues to our physical safety. When it is your turn to speak, try explaining how the issue has affected you personally rather than using facts and figures.
6) Channel Your Inner SEAL
Try the four-by-four technique; a method Navy SEALs employ to keep cool when subjected to immense pressure. Start by exhaling for a count of four, then inhaling for another four seconds before holding it for four more. At times you need to walk away from COVID-19 debates.
7) Check Your Tone
Always keep your tone calm and pleasant, even during heated arguments regarding serious matters like COVID-19. People listen when they are feeling relaxed.
8) Throw in a joke or two.
Don't get personal and keep it easygoing. Although Covid-19 is certainly not a topic to laugh about in most cases, there’s no harm in making a few light-hearted jokes.
9) Give It Another Try
If an argument gets heated that you or the other party walks away, give it time to re-engage by presenting a hand of friendship through a little agreement. For example, “I was thinking about what you said regarding the pandemic, and I think you are correct….” Recognizing a bit of what a person said can create a chance for a fresh beginning with a calm and pleasant tone.
10) Research and Read Your Opponents Sources
Swap a combative conversation for COVID-19 comprehension. Shift your sincere efforts and combative nature towards understanding more about the pandemic. Use social media, visit a pandemic help center or check out other different media platforms, which help you learn more about the pandemic. Read the sources your debate opponent is referring to. And when you learn, go out there and engage others in constructive conversation (considering the tips above) so you can teach and learn some more.
Photo: Ednurg / stock.adobe.com
Editor, 20.01.2022
