Referring to research in the science of human behavior, the expert told how to conduct a conversation and prove your point of view for the most fruitful results.
In a recent interview, Mehdi Hassan, a journalist and political commentator, expert on human behavior shared his thoughts on the art and science of arguing. Hassan emphasized the importance of building trust and finding common ground even when dealing with people with opposing views, writes Behavioral Scientist.
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One of the key points that Hassan made is that we should always strive to understand the other person’s point of view, even if we do not agree with it. This requires active listening, thoughtful questioning, and an open mind. Hasan acknowledged that this can be difficult, especially when we are firmly convinced of our own beliefs, but he argued that it is necessary for a productive dialogue.
In addition to understanding the other person’s point of view, Hasan stressed the importance of finding common ground. He suggested looking for areas of agreement, however minor, and using them as a starting point for further discussion. This will help build trust and create a more positive atmosphere for conversation.
Hasan also talked about the role of emotions in argumentation. He argued that emotions are not necessarily bad, as they can signal to us what excites us and what is important to us. However, he cautioned against letting emotions get in the way of productive dialogue. Hasan suggested taking a step back when emotions are running high and focusing on calming down before continuing the conversation.
Another important point that Hasan noted is the need to be aware of one’s own biases and assumptions. He argued that we all have biases and they can influence how we interpret information and arguments. By being aware of our biases and actively working to overcome them, we can be more effective in our arguments and more open to different points of view.
Finally, Hassan stressed the importance of being respectful and courteous in our disputes. He suggested avoiding personal attacks and name-calling, since such tactics are unlikely to convince anyone and can quickly turn the conversation into a negative direction, provoking aggressive defensive reactions from the opponent. Instead, he recommended focusing on the arguments themselves and trying to find common ground where possible, maintaining dialogue as dispassionately as possible without crossing the line of transition to personalities.
Overall, Hassan’s findings on the art and science of argumentation provide a valuable basis for engaging in productive dialogue with people who hold opposing views. By understanding the other person’s point of view, finding common ground, managing our emotions, being aware of our biases, and showing respect, we can have more constructive and fruitful conversations.
Focus has previously written about how scientists profiled people based on how they use GIFs. Over time, the use of GIFs is becoming more common, even among older generations. They effectively convey humor, allow users to express themselves and maintain relationships.
