
“I think that first engagement was out of anger, honestly. There was this egoistic element, this wish to clarify things. But then it was a really positive conversation. I noticed how much good it did – for me, but also for the other person.”
I love this Guardian article (click on the above link) about defusing the anger of far right groups in East Germany for so many reasons, not least because it’s a no frills reminder that real human contact is indispensable for persuading people who hold radically different views from you.
It also reminds me of an excellent book I read before Christmas by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. I’ve mapped out his 5 stages for persuading people below. I’ve had some success with them so can testify that they do work.
Public affairs & communications professionals please note how the first 2-3 are pull, rather than push skills…..