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…
“Why are you still talking about COVID? It's just a cold!”
👍 Try this…
“I agree that COVID looks different than it did in 2020. I still want to make sure we're protecting people who could get really sick.”
- Find areas of agreement, and use “I” statements to make your point.
👎 Avoid this…
“COVID deniers like you care more about politics than people’s health.”
- 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 COVID seriously anymore. The pandemic isn’t over."
👍 Try this…
“I'm still concerned about COVID, too. It just doesn't make much sense to me to wear a mask all the time. Here’s why…”
- Look for areas of agreement and offer context around your decision. Consider sharing a personal story to illustrate your view.
👎 Avoid this…
“When are you going to get a life again?”
- Stay away from sarcastic questions and comments, even if your loved one uses them.
If you hear them say…
“You're just blindly following the pack. Don't you think for yourself?”
👍 Try this…
“This feels like a personal insult. If you are willing to discuss this issue without getting personal, I will go on. Otherwise, let’s stop.”
- Name the fact that the Gladiator just put you down and only continue when they stop.
👎 Avoid this…
“You're the blind one. You sound like every other Republican/Democrat I know.”
- When attacked, don’t tolerate it, but don’t counter attack. Avoid political stereotypes.
Additional communication styles...