How to talk politics with friends
What are our goals here?
Give people simple, evidenced-based strategies for persuading friends to vote
Give people simple, evidence-based strategies for changing others’ minds
Give people simple, evidence-based strategies for having civil discussions about politics/potentially controversial topics
Our advice
Stay cool and calm.
Political discussions can make people very emotional very quickly. If you lose your cool, it won’t help your cause. It will probably just turn a friendly discussion into an angry argument. Instead, simply listen to the other person’s viewpoint. Try to find empathy for them, even if you find their viewpoint offensive. If empathizing with the person is difficult, one suggestion from behavioral science research is to imagine your interlocutor as a young child, in other words, as innocent and well-meaning. Remember to “assume positive intent” — your interlocutor is a decent human being too, even if you disagree.
Find common ground
A good rule is ABC, “Agree before challenging.” So emphasize where you agree. Identify the priorities you share. Use inclusive language, namely “we” and “our.” There is almost always more than unites us than divides us.
Tell your story
Facts typically have less power to change someone’s mind than a story does. Yes, use the arguments and data we offer on this website. But just tell your story, and why voting matters to you, and in particular, how your friend’s vote might impact your life in Czechia. (Appeal to emotion.) People might try to refute facts, but they probably won’t try to refute your experiences. If you give facts, try to present them as agreeing with the person’s existing viewpoint (this is motivated reasoning, wanting the new information to be compatible with their pre-existing values/beliefs, otherwise they’re more likely to reject it).
Ask some guiding questions
Give the person space for introspection. Don’t attack them. Ask them about their own experiences and why they think what they think. You don’t even have to make any declarative statements — just ask questions, then follow-up questions. Get people to reflect on their beliefs/opinions/attitudes. Don’t be judgmental. “Active listening”: reaffirm where possible what the person says. Acknowledge feelings.