How To Reply To Deniers

Climate change science comeback strategies; Steering conversations with people adamantly resistant to accepting climate science. (Part I)

Karin Kirk, July 26, 2018 (Yale Climate Connections)

“…[M]any feel understandably helpless watching misinformation accelerate throughout society…[but lobbing] talking points back and forth typically only entrenches deeply held positions, a process known as belief polarization…[Here are four strategies] useful in either a face-to-face conversation on an online chat…[The first lesson is] have a conscious strategy, rather than a knee-jerk response…[Making the other person feel bad or look bad may not be] helpful…

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[Strategy #1 is that] a healthy dose of science is rarely a bad idea, as long as it’s delivered in a constructive manner…[Strategy #2 is to expose] the myth, misinformation, or fallacy…[Strategy #3 is take a deep breath and do the unthinkable: listen. Then gently engage. Also, disengage if things go wrong. Strategy #4 is to use persuasive tools like] graphics…[In short,] know the science. Know your values. Be caring. Don’t expect dramatic, visible changes of heart…” click here for more

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