4 Steps to Improve Communication with People of the Opposite View

Surely you've had a session with a colleague, supplier or client with whom you didn't share the same opinion on the matter. And that's perfectly fine. In fact, it's good, because other points of view make us see things from the other person's point of view. But sometimes we still need to convince them that our solution is better or that you're right, not them. Learn how to communicate better in these situations in our article. 

First of all, you have to be willing to compromise and see things from their point of view. Failure to do so often leads to complete unproductivity. You need to articulate your views clearly and be open to new solutions to a problem that you may not have thought of before. Well, when you're sure of your solution, talking to someone you disagree with is a difficult situation for many, but these tricks can help.

1. Listen to the Other Person's Opinion

Even if you disagree, you must take the time and energy to listen and understand. Without a proper hearing, the following debate will be irrelevant. Another important thing is not to interrupt each other's speech. Rather, write down points that you could come back to and debate when it is over. Show that you care and understand even if you disagree. We all want to be heard. Not listening or twisting words will cause even bigger problems. After you have listened, let them know you have listened, you can begin: "So, if I understand you correctly..." "Can I summarize what I have understood so far?"

2. Respect Other People's Opinions

Make sure you show respect to the other person before you oppose their opinion or solution. Instead of entering the conversation ready to fight, start by saying, for example, "I respect you and appreciate your perspective." Then calmly proceed with offering your own solution, but with calmness and without being aggressive. Giving each other respect will strengthen both your working and human relationship.

3. Let Them Known You Know They Mean It Well

No one on the team wants a project or contract to go wrong. Everyone is trying to come up with a solution that will be the best for the company. Which way it will be different, and since there are usually many people on the team, everyone has a different opinion and perspective, but everyone means well. Therefore, try starting with the words like: "I see where you're going with this..." "I know your intentions are good..." "I understand why you were thinking this way..."  

What does that accomplish? You show your colleague that your goal is not to attack them, just to make your own point. When the other person realizes that you have no intention of discrediting his ideas, he will be more likely to open up and tell you more about how they meant their idea. 

4. Justify Your Opinion with Verified Sources or Positive Implications of the Solution

It is important to be able to back up your opinion, your idea, with credible sources. If your sources are legitimate, there shouldn't be a problem and a person with a different opinion can't discredit them. 

When faced with an objection to your opinion, try not to respond immediately. Because if you do, the other person who objected may feel unheard and may feel you haven't even considered their opinion. This can be very demotivating for them and could have negative consequences. Instead, you need to change your mindset from talking to listening.  And then ask open-ended questions. These are questions that require more detailed answers from the other person, not a simple "Yes" or "No".

How to Ask Open Questions? 

The easiest way to ask such a question is to start a sentence with words such as "explain", "describe" or "tell". The right questions can open up and deepen the conversation between you. 

When you hear the answers to your questions, don't start offering your solution as a done deal again, but instead you can give your solution as a question, a suggestion. Then the other person feels heard and even empowered to draw conclusions. You can phrase your answers starting with "So if..." For example, "So if we extended the handover deadline by 10 days, would that be okay for you?" If the person rejects your suggestion, you can continue to probe and ask more questions to find a solution. 

Showing empathy to people who have a different opinion is the best way to avoid negative emotions. Showing empathy doesn't mean that you have to agree with the other person right away, but rather that you look at the issue from their perspective as well. The goal is not to apologize for your opinions, but to learn how to communicate in a way that will make you more effective in conversations with people who see the world a little differently.

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