BackWhere do I begin?
Sometimes, starting a conversation can be the biggest hurdle to having one. Here are four ways to do it.
Start it yourself
Make a neutral comment about an issue, for instance: “Early voting has become really popular. I tried it during the last election, and it was a breeze.” Wait for the other person to respond with their view.
Ask a question
Start with a neutral question like, “Are you planning to vote on Election Day or by absentee ballot?”
When they go first
Acknowledge what the person said and respond with some version of “I hear you on….” or “I get that this is important to you.” Genuinely listen to them. When people feel heard, they are less likely to respond negatively.
Find common ground
Start by acknowledging something you both agree on, for instance: “I think we can both agree that we want our elections to be secure and fair.” Finding common ground softens people for challenging conversations.