BackSpeaking to a Gladiator about Climate Change
Who 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…
“You climate change deniers think you’re smarter than every climate scientist on the planet!”
👍 Try this…
“Like you, I think it’s important to pay attention to science. Maybe you and I are listening to different scientists.”
- Find something to agree with and then suggest that you have different sources of information.
👎 Avoid this…
“It’s not real science. You’ve been brainwashed by climate fanatics.”
- You can’t out-Gladiator a true Gladiator. Try something different.
If you hear them say…
"You Democrats are just using climate change to tax us into oblivion."
👍 Try this…
“How about if we just talk about where I stand and you stand on this issue.”
- Don’t get pulled into defending everyone in your party.
👎 Avoid this…
“Republicans don’t care about people. They only care about the economy!”
- Criticize the idea or the policy, not the motives of people who support the idea or policy.
If you hear them say…
“I can't believe you’re not taking climate change seriously. We’re talking about our kids’ future, here.”
👍 Try this…
“I'm concerned about our kids’ future, too. I’m just not convinced climate change is as big a threat as you believe. Here’s why…”
- Look for areas of agreement and offer context around your view. Cite where your ideas come from.
👎 Avoid this…
“Are you a scientist now? I don’t know why you think you’re the authority.”
- Stay away from sarcastic questions and comments, even if your loved one uses them.
Additional communication styles...