BackWho you’re talking to dictates what you say. Review our Communication Styles if you haven’t already. And remember: These examples show communication skills, and do not indicate correct or incorrect viewpoints.
Choose the communication style of the person you’re speaking to:
If you hear them say…
“What you support is abortion on demand even if the baby is about to be delivered.”
👍 Try this…
“This is very hard to talk about. I want to be very clear on my viewpoint about late-term abortions.”
- Stick to clarifying your view in your own terms, not the terms of the Defender.
👎 Avoid this…
“That’s not what I am saying. Stop putting words in my mouth!”
- In a group it works best to be strong but not reactive. Ask a Defender to talk one-on-one later.
If you hear them say…
"What you’re saying is that you want to traumatize women by forcing them to give birth to non-viable fetuses?"
👍 Try this…
“You and I both care about women. Can I explain how my views are more complicated than that?”
- Point out the commonalities you share, and offer more context for your perspective.
👎 Avoid this…
“You’re making me out to be a monster.”
- Don’t be accusatory. Instead, calmly clarify your position.
If you hear them say…
“So you want anyone to be able to get an abortion whenever they want?”
👍 Try this…
“I feel like you think I believe that abortions should be available with zero restrictions. My views are actually more nuanced than that.”
- Acknowledge where they’re coming from and clarify your views.
👎 Avoid this…
“You’re completely distorting my position.”
- Defensiveness breeds defensiveness.
Additional communication styles...